Kurt Busch had quite the unfortunate exit after his concussion-like symptoms last season. But it seems like there has always been a possibility of him coming back. Statements made recently by Bubba Wallace have added to a fire Denny Hamlin started.

Busch had to abruptly end his association with 23XI Racing last year. But ever since his seat was given to Tyler Reddick, more and more information has been surfacing about him being in and around the 23XI Racing garage. It’s safe to assume Busch is still very much a part of that team, but his role is a major question mark.

Bubba talked about Busch’s role in the team

In fact, even Bubba doesn’t precisely know his role in the team, as he discussed in The QC Hornets’ Nest podcast, saying, “I don’t know what his job title is, but he wants to see this team succeed. And I hate, you know, for how everything went down with Kurt. But he’s there. He’s there wanting to be a part of it.” 

The #23 car driver did appreciate him as he elaborated on everything Busch is doing with the team. He said, “Kurt’s been. He’s been so hands-on, and the moments where I’m just getting back in the loop of things, you know, he’s out, going to all these tests. He was in Texas with Tyler. He was just in Phoenix. Yesterday, with Christopher Bell and the Toyota guys.”

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This adds more heat to the fire Denny Hamlin ignited when he talked about Travis Pastrana’s entry in the third 23XI car.

What Denny Hamlin said about Kurt Busch could be true

23XI Racing is building an entire third team for Travis Pastrana, which is pretty obvious. But the effort they’re putting into the third team is a little more than one would have expected. But Hamlin revealed earlier that there’s a good reason for putting in that effort in the third car.

Hamlin admitted, “That’s kind of the game plan for us with our 23 XI team is that if Kurt decides that he wants to run races, we have to be prepared for that.

“We have to be prepared to feel a very competitive race car. And so by us doing this with Travis, it allows us as a race team to build that depth.”

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So, it seems the team recognizes all the effort he has put in and is keeping Busch pretty hands-on with them. Of course, having all the experience that comes with being a Cup Series champ is an unparalleled benefit for all the development, testing, and training they do as a team.

But the big question remains. Will Busch really make a comeback as a driver in NASCAR?