USA Today via Reuters
Apr 3, 2022; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) waves to fans in the stands prior to the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 3, 2022; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) waves to fans in the stands prior to the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Although it’s not official yet, it’s pretty fair to say that Kyle Busch won’t be in the #18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry next season. Because with every passing day, every NASCAR insider is emphasizing the same, and this thought is also finding its way into the minds of the fans.
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Consider their reaction to the interview that David Wilson, the Group Vice President and President of Toyota Racing Development in the USA, recently gave ahead of the final race in the regular season at Daytona.
The fans were more or less convinced that Busch’s time at JGR, and in effect, with Toyota as well, is soon coming to an end.
Honestly it should ALREADY be done. They knew M&M was leaving last year & frankly need to just make it official. I think they're trying to buy time to see what happens to Kurt & it's not right to Kyle. It's just absolutely ridiculous.
— CRJ (@CJJohns37859982) August 28, 2022
He doesn't make it sound very positive at least as much as he did in the beginning. I think there's a reason for that. Kyle Busch is a very unique talent I feel like if they wanted to keep him they would have done so by now. His deal would have been the first Toyota deal done
— David Allen (@racegearcom) August 28, 2022
If it was that important they'd have already signed him out of pocket if he's that valuable to him. This guy is a clown. @daltongood18
— Alex Kerner (@psychedalex68) August 28, 2022
At least they’re finally admitting he won’t be in the 18 lol. I highly doubt Kyle is gonna wanna go to the 45 just for one year. Unless that team is thinking about expanding to three cars in 2024
— CRAIGO (@CRAlG0) August 28, 2022
It’s sad that Toyota wants to keep Kyle but JGR seems like they don’t
— Drake Kalita (@DaSnakeDrake) August 28, 2022
Sounds like he is saying Coach is kicking Kyle to the curb in favor of Ty Gibbs. No wonder Kyle is unhappy.
— Eddie James (@Ja1537Eddie) August 28, 2022
Toyota doesn’t want to race against Kyle Busch
There were two things that are pretty clear from the David Wilson interview. First is that Kyle Busch’s chances of staying with Toyota and JGR, are very, very slim.
The second is that Toyota and JGR are scared of facing Busch in a different team, and a different manufacturer, mainly because the guy is just that good and he won’t be exactly happy after leaving the team in the circumstances he’s having to leave them in.
USA Today via Reuters
May 28, 2022; Concord, North Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) walks with his car during Nascar Cup qualifying at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
“We have a role, the manufacturers play a role. Toyota has a role within the garage. We don’t own drivers, we don’t own racing teams. So within the bounds, within the reasonable bounds of a manufacturer in this sport, we are doing what we can to try and keep Kyle (Busch) in our family,” Wilson said.
“This is not just an offensive consideration. I don’t want to race against pi**ed-off Kyle Busch and wherever he lands, he’s gonna do some damage,” he added.
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In the end, David Wilson admitted despite his tone, that there’s a lot of “heavy lifting” to be done, and nothing has changed in their approach still so far.
Which team do you think Kyle Busch will be racing for next season? Let us know your thoughts on the situation in the comments below.
Written by
Edited by
Veer Badani