Kurt Busch is far from a rookie. He was the last full-time driver to have competed against Dale Earnhardt. He’s been a fixture in the sport for over 20 years.
But Sunday (March 26) in the booth, he had his yellow rookie stripe, calling a first NASCAR Cup Series race for FOX.
When the dust settled and the checkered flag flew, it was his former team, the 23XI Racing No. 45 driven by Tyler Reddick, taking home the trophy.
The overwhelming emotions came through for the viewers to hear on the broadcast.
“It’s forward together on this program and it brings … brings me a little bit … choked up,” Busch said during the broadcast. “I was hoping to be back in that car, but … it’s in good hands.”
The man known as The Outlaw expressed the sorrow of how his career may have ended too soon. Simultaneously, he shared the joy and satisfaction of the results for the team he helped build and the comfort of knowing that if he never gets in the car again, his legacy of a teambuilder remains unencumbered.
Busch still hasn’t been cleared to return but remains hopeful to race again.
Steve Leffew joined Frontstretch in 2023 and covers the Xfinity Series. He has served honorably in the United States Air Force and and lives in Wisconsin.
Except he doesn’t like and hasn’t gone by “The Outlaw” for a very long time. Way to ruin a story about an emotional moment.
I apologize for this mistake. It should’ve read “formerly known as”.
It was really heartbreaking to hear Kurt at that point. But beyond that he is really, really good in the booth. Wicked sense of humor and real insights into the racing.
i felt sorry for kurt when i heard his voice break up. since it’s been so long since his injury, i feel like the chances of seeing kurt in a cup car slipping away. i’m glad the team has his as an advisor. he has a lot of knowledge for the younger drivers.
he was excellent to hear in the booth. hopefully he can be back in the booth, either on fox or nbc, or whomever the media partner will be.
Kurt, needs to be in the booth. NASCAR needs him, racing fans need him and he can save the FOX broadcast team. The last couple of weeks with Tony and Danica haven’t been great. Kurt, saved the broadcast with his insight and knowledge of racing. Go Kurt!