Kyle Busch told Jim France that 2022 would be his final year; Then, Busch got a call from RCR
In 2022, Kyle Busch was racing the No. 18 car for Joe Gibbs Racing. At the end of the season, Busch’s contract was set to expire. At the same time, MARS Incorporated was also ending their sponsorship agreement with JGR.
The team was already into a year-long sponsorship search. In order to re-sign Busch, they needed a sponsor signed on at the same time.
During the season, Busch already knew he wouldn’t be returning to JGR. And, he was also under the impression that he wouldn’t have a ride in 2023.
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Kyle Busch talks to NASCAR CEO Jim France
When Busch knew he wasn’t returning to JGR, he then had a conversation with NASCAR CEO Jim France…
“I didn’t,” Busch confirmed to Bob Pockrass that he wasn’t sure if he’d come back in 2023.
It was [Loudon] weekend last year. I told Jim France, I said, ‘Nice knowing you. I’m not going to be here next year.’ “
“And so he was like, ‘Wait, what? What does that mean?’ “
“He then found out. Maybe he had something to do with it [here at RCR], I don’t know.”
Kyle Busch is currently racing for Richard Childress Racing in the No. 8 car. In the 20 races so far, he’s collected 3 race wins.
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