Kyle Busch, the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, recently shared detailed insights about his unsuccessful attempt to join 23XI Racing, the NASCAR team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and driver Denny Hamlin. This potential move was considered after Busch parted ways with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) at the end of the 2022 season, primarily due to sponsorship difficulties and contractual issues with JGR.
Busch recalled approaching Michael Jordan directly with hopes of securing a long-term contract with 23XI Racing. Despite the team’s impressive progress since its establishment in 2021-including winning the regular season championship with Tyler Reddick in 2024-the team was unable to offer Busch the long-term stability he sought. This contractual limitation ultimately led Busch to sign with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) starting from the 2023 season.
Reflecting on the discussions with Jordan, Busch emphasized that the conversations were strictly professional and work-related. He did not express any fan admiration during the talks, although his wife, Samantha Busch, is a devoted fan of Michael Jordan and would have been thrilled if her husband had raced for 23XI Racing. Busch said, “It was a work call…I wasn’t fanboying on him or anything, but Samantha fangirls on him all the time”.
Busch’s career in NASCAR spans over two decades, beginning in 2003, and despite facing a challenging season in 2022 and contemplating retirement around three years ago, he remains committed to racing. He expressed his ongoing passion for the sport and his determination to improve his performance with RCR, aiming to return to Victory Lane. Busch stated, “It [retirement] was a consideration three years ago… When you’re still out here being able to enjoy what you’re doing, working with your team and continuing to try to improve RCR… we’re gonna keep working at it”.
Despite some positive performances, Busch has been in a winless streak for over 66 Cup Series races and has narrowly missed victories on several occasions. The 2025 season is critical for him to solidify his position at RCR and meet the high expectations of fans and the team.
From the perspective of 23XI Racing, co-owner Denny Hamlin explained that while they were interested in Busch, they could not provide the long-term contract stability he desired due to the current economic model of NASCAR and existing driver commitments. The team already had contracts with Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace for 2024, and Kurt Busch’s contract was set through 2023. Hamlin suggested that if the financial and sponsorship landscape changes in the future, 23XI Racing might be better positioned to offer Busch a suitable deal.
In summary, Kyle Busch’s failed move to 23XI Racing was primarily due to the inability of the team to offer a long-term contract that matched Busch’s expectations amid NASCAR’s sponsorship and economic challenges. Busch’s professional approach during negotiations and his continued dedication to NASCAR highlight his resilience and passion for the sport, while 23XI Racing’s cautious expansion strategy reflects the complexities of team management in modern NASCAR.
