Kurt Busch speaks on Stewart-Haas Racing contract

In two months, a new season starts – Kurt Busch still doesn’t have a contract for 2018

At 39 years old Kurt Busch is still seeking a contract renewal for the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Yet, contract negotiations with Stewart-Haas Racing are still ongoing.

Kurt Busch pilots a car that’s sponsored by Monster Energy and Haas Automation. It appears the delay might be more on the sponsorship side.

Stewart-Haas Racing has stated multiple times that they plan to keep Kurt Busch at the team. Additionally, Kurt Busch has stated that he wants to remain at SHR.

Is that still the case?

“My best chance to win races, to win championships, is to be with Stewart-Haas Racing,” Kurt Busch told Bob Pockrass of ESPN. “I talked with other owners and the offers were about the same from other teams.

Kurt Busch
Kurt Busch

“But the offers weren’t the same as far as level of car. To work with [engine builder] Doug Yates and Ford and all the individuals that I’ve grown around and felt comfortable with at Stewart-Haas, that’s not available at other teams.”

The 2018 NASCAR season is just around the corner. Time is running out to sign a contract or find an alternative ride. The Daytona 500 is set for February 18th. However, the teams head to Daytona a week before that for the Clash at Daytona.

Is there a deadline?

“We’ll see how it all plays out,” Busch continued. “I’m not too worried about it. No deadline. With the support I have from Monster and the support I have from Ford, everybody is on the same page.

“It’s more about the people and plugging in the right puzzle pieces in the right place.”

Kurt Busch - Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series
Kurt Busch – Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series

“[My contract] all is still a work in progress. I feel like Monster has stood by my side and Ford has really been very supportive. I like the way the two sides are coming together.

“My focus is in the people and the personnel and how we’re going to make this work to be more successful next year. Winning Daytona this year was great, but we want more. We want to be that championship contender. We want to make a run through the playoffs.”

Kurt Busch has spent 17 years in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.

Related: Kurt Busch 2018 ride? Driver speaking with many teams

Related: Kurt Busch’s crew chief is interested in a new position

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Kurt Busch | Stewart-Haas Racing | Monster Energy | NASCAR

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