In a significant move for the NASCAR driver market, two-time Cup champion Kyle Busch has announced he'll join Richard Childress Racing next year, bringing to an end his long affiliation with Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota. Full story ⬇️
The 37-year-old will drive the #8 Chevrolet for team owner Richard Childress beginning in the 2023 season, bringing to an end a fruitful partnership with the JGR Toyota team that began in 2008.“I’m thankful to Joe [Gibbs] for allowing me to be a kid and grow into a man. Most days, most of the time...In a gesture of good will, Childress also offered Busch’s son Brexton a future contract option with RCR.
“I’ve always admired Kyle’s driving style and his ability to win and race for championships ever since he entered the sport. Who wouldn’t want a proven NASCAR Cup Series Champion driving their car?”Motorsport Images “As a 60 Cup race winner and two-time champion, he will be a valuable addition to Richard Childress Racing and the Chevrolet line-up. We look forward to working with Kyle starting in 2023.”
Of his 520 career starts in the Cup series, all but 114 have come while driving for JGR and Toyota. In addition, 56 of his 60 career wins – and both series championships – as well as 30 of his 32 career poles have come driving for JGR and Toyota. He has been sponsored by M&M Mars since 2008 and Mars Inc. has been involved in NASCAR sponsorships for more than 25 years.JGR has been unable to secure a primary sponsor for Busch’s #18 Toyota which would be comparable to the size of the financial investment from Mars Inc., although team officials have said they have come “close” on other prospects.In recent weeks, it was believed Busch was working on two viable options.
The inability of JGR to secure a primary sponsor and the lengthy negotiations leading to a new home for Busch in the Cup Series had taken a visible toll on the Las Vegas native in recent weeks.