Denny Hamlin’s Soothing Comments Amidst Speculation Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Team is Sending Kurt Busch Into Retirement to Make Room for Tyler Reddick in 2023

Published 10/12/2022, 10:15 AM EDT

The biggest speculation that remains in NASCAR at this moment is what happens to Kurt Busch. With ever-growing rumors of Tyler Reddick heading to 23XI Racing early, fans seem to be on the edge with regard to Busch’s future in the sport. However, recently Denny Hamlin gave a statement with a sense of optimism regarding his driver’s medical evaluation.

A NASCAR journalist stated, “Hamlin said Kurt spoke with doctors days ago and would have something to announce this week. Added the team would have an announcement this weekend in Vegas. Appears this is at least a part of what the announcement will be.”

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Hamlin stated, “I think he went to the doctor last week and I think we are going to have an update from him in the next handful of days. Probably we’ll have something next weekend. We certainly want him to be a part of our team and helping us out. I talked to him a little bit today and he has just given us some observations and certainly is an asset to our team… We want to keep him, Toyota wants to keep him, I’m sure we’ll have a meaningful position long after his driving career is over, whenever that is.”

However, just a day prior another journalist stated, “Hearing @TylerReddick‘s contract has been bought out from @RCRracing and he will join @23XIRacing next year. Announcement expected this weekend at @LVMotorSpeedway #NASCAR”

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This only brings forth the question of what would happen with Kurt Busch, if Reddick arrives a year earlier than scheduled.

NASCAR Fans speculate the future of Kurt Busch

Fans mostly seem to think that either Busch would announce his retirement or perhaps state that he might race for the remainder of the season and then park it.

Most of them stated that they felt bad for Busch and speculated further that perhaps Reddick would take over the #45 come next season. One would argue that such speculation would make sense, but the final answer can only be derived when Hamin announces whatever he has to announce at Vegas.

I feel so bad for Kurt… but if I was him there's no way I'd get back in the car the way it is. He's got life after racing to think about right now.
— idk (@rsb_350) October 11, 2022

Probably means the doctors told Kurt he’d have to retire. So Reddick’s taking over the #45.
— Matthew McMillen (@24andFCFfan) October 11, 2022

I think Kurt's sadly retiring 😭😭😭😭😭
— chunkyriverDi9 (@prestoneclement) October 11, 2022

Maybe it’s Kurt coming back for these final races and him announcing his retirement
— Austin Johnson (@austin48johnson) October 11, 2022

Gonna be sad if he retires man. Wouldn't really see it any different tho. Harvick will be the only driver from the Winston era left.
— Muscan/ Alexandra Raptopoulou fv. (@__muscan__) October 11, 2022

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My gut says it’s a retirement/new position at 23XI announcement coupled with Tyler going to the 45.
There will be too much uncertainty with the changes to the rear of the car for safety plus this saves Denny from having to secure a 3rd charter next year even if it’s a lease.
— KLG NobleWarrior88#MediaKitsPartner (@NGaming88) October 11, 2022

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Do you think Kurt Busch would announce his retirement in Vegas? or does he have a surprise lined up for us? Let us know in the comments section.

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Written by:

Srijan Mandal is a NASCAR author at EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing his Master’s in Journalism and has been writing for his own blog as well, covering NASCAR, F1, F2, W Series, MotoGP, DTM, IndyCar, WRC, and WEC. Following motorsports for more than a decade, he has become a devout supporter of McLaren Racing, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Bubba Wallace, Sir Lewis Hamilton, and Ayrton Senna.

Edited by:

Nizamul Haque Bhuyan