While Kurt Busch’s whereabouts for the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season are still unknown, one thing’s for certain: he won’t be back at Stewart-Haas Racing.
The former Cup champion tweeted Sunday, Dec. 2, that he’ll be departing SHR and the No. 41 ride, following five seasons with the team.
“I would like to thank Stewart-Haas for five fantastic years driving the No. 41,” Busch tweeted. “I will miss everyone, especially the crew chiefs I worked with, Daniel Knost, Tony Gibson and Billy Scott, love you guys.
“The stats add up,” he continued. “Six wins, 11 poles, 37 top fives, 90 top 10s and more than 1,900 laps led. Unfortunately, it’s not in the cards for me to stay. I’m looking forward to the future and new opportunities ahead!”
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) December 3, 2018
Busch joined SHR in 2014, winning one race in his maiden season with the team and finishing 12th in points. All told, he won six races, including the 2017 Daytona 500.
“Amazing how fast five years goes by… especially when @KurtBusch is at the wheel,” SHR tweeted. “Your dedication and desire are hard to match. Know the next chapter of your career will be great. From all of us, thank you.”
Amazing how fast five years goes by… especially when @KurtBusch is at the wheel. Your dedication and desire are hard to match. Know the next chapter of your career will be great. From all of us, thank you. pic.twitter.com/zOh1FsLkGy
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) December 3, 2018
A driver has not been named for the No. 41 in 2019; Daniel Suarez is among the drivers who have been rumored for the seat.
Busch, meanwhile, has been linked to the No. 1 at Chip Ganassi Racing, which is being vacated by Jamie McMurray.
Kevin Rutherford is the executive editor of Frontstretch, a position he gained in 2025 after being the managing editor since 2015, and serving on the editing staff since 2013.
At his day job, he's a journalist covering music and rock charts at Billboard. He lives in New York City, but his heart is in Ohio -- you know, like that Hawthorne Heights song.