Kurt Busch to join 23XI Racing in 2022
Kurt Busch will be driving for 23XI Racing during the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season, as the organization adds a second car to their stable.
Busch will drive the No. 45 Toyota Camry with Monster Energy as his sponsor.
“I cannot begin to express my gratitude for this opportunity,” Busch said in a statement from the team. “Racing to win is what I live for. Helping to continue developing a new team, alongside Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin, and Toyota is exactly what I want to be part of. Winning is important to 23XI, it’s important to Monster Energy, and it’s important to me. That is our goal.”
The 2004 NASCAR Cup Series champion joins teammate Bubba Wallace in 2022.
“When we started this team, our vision was to grow to a multi-car organization. To be able to expand in just our second year is a huge step for us,” Hamlin said in a statement. “Kurt brings a wealth of knowledge and a championship mindset to our team, and will be able to help us grow stronger and more competitive each and every week.”
The No. 45 will be used in 2022 for the first time since 2008. The number has been previously used by Petty Enterprises. Adam Petty used the number in the Xfinity Series prior to his death in 2000.
Kyle Petty issued a statement on the number being brought back to the Cup Series:
“The No. 45 is a special number to myself and the entire Petty family. We look forward to seeing that number back on the race track contending for race wins and championships. Seeing the number compete again, under the 23XI Racing banner with Kurt behind the wheel, is exciting for us. While the number will always hold many memories of Adam, we know Kurt, Denny and the entire organization will represent it well. Victory Junction – a place of empowerment and inclusion for kids with chronic and serious medical illnesses envisioned by Adam – [is] proud to see the 45 car return and where this team will take it on the track.”
Information regarding additional partners and team personnel will be announced at a later date.
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Reviewed by Courtney Horn
on
Saturday, August 28, 2021
Rating:
