Fans are drawing conclusions after awkward exchange between NASCAR team owner Joe Gibbs and his driver Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch is currently in his 15th season with Joe Gibbs Racing. However, he’s in a contract year and could be a free agent at the end of the season with no deal in plain sight.
Watch the video of the post-race exchange between Kyle Busch and Joe Gibbs below.
MARS Incorporated announced earlier this year that they would not return as a sponsor for next season. The sponsorship from MARS comes in at an estimated $25 million each season.
JGR wants to re-sign Busch for 2023. However, MARS leaves a very large hole to fill on the P&L sheet.
Per statements from Joe Gibbs Racing, they would have liked to have found a new sponsor for Busch, months ago. Now, Toyota Racing Development is looking at their backup plan.
“If there’s not sponsorship there, maybe we can create a bridge somewhere,” Wilson stated before Pocono.
Meaning, finding a seat at another Toyota team, outside of JGR.
Wilson added, “We’re in a bad place right now. We’ve got some tremendously heavy lifting in front of us.”
The tensions have been increasing regarding statements from both the team and from Busch himself as they’re repeatedly asked for updates on 2023.
Toyota ‘disappointed’ as Kyle Busch hints at Goodbye to Joe Gibbs Racing
Also ahead of Pocono, Kyle Busch admitted for the first time that he’s been speaking with other teams regarding 2023.
Kyle Busch is talking to other NASCAR teams for 2023 contract
Kyle Busch finished 2nd at Pocono; Disqualified
Last weekend, Kyle Busch crossed the finish line in 2nd.
Kyle will never be happy with 2nd. Yet, things got worse for the team after they were disqualified following a violation discovered in post-race tech.
Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch have been disqualified after the NASCAR race at Pocono Raceway
Before the disqualification, Ky. Busch climbed from his No. 18 after the race. Team owner Joe Gibbs walked over to his driver and gave him a pat. However, Busch mostly ignored him.
Fans are reading the room. Comments on the post mostly lean toward the conclusion that Busch won’t be in the No. 18 next season.
It could just be typical runner-up Kyle behavior. You can watch the video of the awkward exchange below and make your own assumptions.
Busch is a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. He has 60 career Cup wins along with another 102 Xfinity wins and 62 Truck Series victories.
Kyle Busch hints at ‘Goodbye’ with Joe Gibbs Racing contract
Kyle Busch and Joe Gibbs
Awkwardness Video
NASCAR team owner calls Kyle Busch a “Little B****” (Video)
