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The 2004 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kurt Busch sustained an injury during qualifying at Pocono Raceway, and was ruled out of the competition after failing to recover in time. He later announced that he was stepping away from full-time NASCAR racing.
Since then the former 23XI Racing Driver has only worked behind the scenes, and not returned to racing. However, according to a statement made a few months ago, it seems like Busch hasn’t completely shut down his racing plans.
During an appearance on Corey LaJoie's podcast, Kurt Busch expressed his interest in exploring different racing opportunities despite retiring from full-time NASCAR racing. He mentioned his desire to participate in the prestigious Le Mans race, highlighting it as a top priority on his wishlist.
"Gassing something up of course what I would love to do eventually," he said, as quoted by Sportsrush. When asked what’s on the list of things that he would like to driver he replied: "So number one, I always wanted to race in Le Mans."
Kurt Busch further revealed that he had been given the go-ahead by Jim France to race in the innovative Garage 56 program at Le Mans if he was cleared to participate. However, due to his commitment with Toyota, whom he considers his racing family, his immediate focus remained with them.
"I wanted to go over there and race and Jim France gave me the thumbs up if I was cleared to race with that garage 56 program. But I’m with Toyota right now, and that’s my family right there," Busch added.
"I'm still in touch with Ambrose and the gang" - Kurt Busch open to diverse racing experiences
The former NASCAR driver also mentioned his continued connection with the Australian V8 Supercars. He expressed his interest and connections with figures like two-time Supercars champion Marcos Ambrose and the racing scene in Brazil, particularly with drivers like Hélio Castroneves.
“(I) like Australian V8 supercars," Busch said. "I'm still in touch with Ambrose and the gang that’s over there and racing stuff down in Brazil with shoot, not Tony Kanaan, (Helio) Castroneves who’s my boy.”
Kurt Busch is also interested in Nelson Piquet's Brazilian Stock Car program as a potential opportunity for his racing endeavors. He expressed a desire to travel, enjoy racing and compete among elite drivers on an international level, but without the pressure of championship point systems or other competitive obligations that come with series like NASCAR.
Kurt Busch has had a successful and enduring career in NASCAR, competing at a high level for many years. He was widely recognized as one of the most talented and accomplished drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series.
