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Kurt Busch’s Devastating Exit Raises Uncertainty Around $47.4 Billion Company’s Partnership With Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Team

Published 10/16/2022, 7:00 AM EDT

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NASCAR teams are already busy worrying about the latest concerns related to the safety of Next gen cars. Furthermore, the ongoing financial issues and discussions with the governing body have taken a toll on the team owners. However, Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin-owned 23XI Racing now has its own set of issues.

In August 2021, 23XI Racing announced its association with NASCAR driver Kurt Busch and his sponsor Monster Energy. Back then, Monster Energy stated that this association has marked a new chapter in motorsports. Moreover, it said that 23XI Racing has unlocked a wealth of opportunities for fans and the sport.

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However, recently, Kurt Busch announced that he would not be driving full-time in the 2023 Cup Series season. And this move seems to have a grave effect on the $150 million NASCAR team. For starters, the team will now have to call upon Tyler Reddick to join 23XI earlier than expected.

Furthermore, the team owners will have to reconsider their $47.4 billion worth partnership with Busch’s sponsor Monster Energy. With Kurt Busch’s exit from the 2023 Cup Series, it seems that the energy drink company’s plan to continue with 23XI Racing is not clear.

According to Sports Business Journal reporter Adam Stern’s tweet, the company has denied providing any comments on the topic. And amidst this uncertainty, NASCAR fans seem concerned for the team and their partnerships.

Discussing the probabilities and prospective course of action, the fans left their views in the comment section. Some talked about the sponsors that Tyler Reddick will be roping in. While some others believe that the energy drink company will be allocating its funds to Kyle Busch when he joins Richard Childress Racing. Whereas, some others conjectured that it will be Ty Gibbs.

READ MORE: Tragic Kurt Busch Bombshell Sends NASCAR World Into Meltdown As Fans Accuse ‘Next Gen Cars Ending Previous Gen Drivers’

Kurt Busch’s exit is a result of his crash at the Pocono Raceway. After the crash, he was left with concussion-like symptoms and hence was unable to get back behind the wheel. And now, reportedly, Tyler Reddick would be joining 23XI next season.

What happens to Tyler Reddick and his NASCAR contract with Richard Childress Racing?

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Tyler Reddick will switch teams in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series. Reddick, who had already signed a deal with 23XI Racing was supposed to drive with the team in 2024. However, with Kurt Busch’s exit, it became imperative for the Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin team to onboard Reddick as soon as possible.

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Moreover, Kurt’s brother Kyle Busch has also signed a multi-year contract with Richard Childress Racing. Kyle, who will join RCR next year will be taking over Reddick’s #8. Hence, it seems that the two teams reached a mutual agreement. And as a result, RCR decided to end Tyler Reddick’s contract a year earlier.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Richard Childress Gives All Important Update on the NASCAR Future of Tyler Reddick

Tyler Reddick will be driving Kurt Busch’s #45. Apart from that, he will be racing beside his new teammates Bubba Wallace and Ty Gibbs.

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Written by:

Devyani Sharma

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Devyani Sharma is a NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports. Having completed her postgrad in English Literature, she has worked as a content writer for a while now. With over three years of experience in the field and hundreds of articles published on the web, Devyani has now associated with EssentiallySports to start her journey in the world of sports journalism.
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Edited by:

Nizamul Haque Bhuyan