As the Round of 12 launches at New Hampshire Motor Speedway this 2025 season, the track steals the spotlight by hosting its first playoff event since 2017. The Mobil 1 301 on September 21 marks a return to high-stakes racing at the 1.058-mile oval, drawing fans eager for action.

Meanwhile, eyes turn to NASCAR Hall of Famer Kurt Busch, whose ties to the venue run deep from his 2004 sweep with wins in both July and September races there. Those victories helped him win the Cup Series championship that year, cementing his legacy at the Magic Mile.

The 2008 rain-shortened win in June stood out, snapping a 29-race winless streak and earning him his only victory of the season. Now retired since 2023 after a career-ending concussion, Busch steps back into the fold at Loudon in a respected capacity to address lingering matters from that day. This appearance ties into his upcoming 2026 Hall of Fame induction, adding layers to his story, helping to understand the gesture that closes a chapter from 17 years ago.

Kurt Busch’s grand marshal role and lobster plaque

In a heartfelt Speedway Digest interview at New Hampshire Motor Speedway posted on X, Kurt Busch revealed the special honor bestowed upon him as Grand Marshal for the Mobil 1 301, where he delivered the command to fire the engines. This role places him among notable figures who’ve held the position at NHMS. The real highlight came when the track surprised him with a plaque commemorating “Louden the Lobster,” tying back to his 2008 victory.

VIDEO: Mobil 1 301 grand marshal Kurt Busch press conference from New Hampshire Motor Speedway

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— Speedway Digest (@speedwaydigest) September 21, 2025

“And over the years was a couple of race wins and meeting that loud in the lobster for the first time in 2008. This all worked out perfectly, and thank you for allowing me to be the grand marshal,” Busch shared, reflecting on how the track’s gesture completed a full-circle moment.

The 2008 “tragedy” centered on the live lobster trophy, a tradition NHMS started that year with Busch as the inaugural recipient after his rain-shortened triumph in the Lenox Industrial Tools 301. Being handed the massive crustacean, he was puzzled on what to do next. “I didn’t know what to do. When I won there in 2008, they hand me Louden, and I’m like, what’ the guy before me do? And they said, ‘Well, you’re the first one,'” he recounted. Attempts to donate it to the Boston Aquarium for an exhibit fell through when Louden died en route, leaving Busch without the memento and prompting an asterisk in NASCAR’s books for that win until now.

Years later, spotting a similar plaque at Joey Logano‘s shop reignited his memory, leading to this resolution. “And I’ll tell you what really hit me is this driver was on Egos, right? I mean, well, egotistical maniacs. and I’m at Joey Logano’s shop doing a preseason photo shoot with Monster Energy… and then I see it well, that he had a black Len lobster when he had been here in New Hampshire. I’m like, Where’s mine?” Busch explained.

The track responded by inviting him as Grand Marshal and presenting the plaque, officially closing the chapter. This act not only honors his three NHMS wins but also aligns with the venue’s unique lobster tradition, seen in victories by drivers like Logano and Kyle Busch in later years.

Beyond the nostalgia, Busch’s presence underscores his enduring connection to the sport. Yet his insights extend to current teams, offering a veteran’s take on evolving strategies.

Busch on 23XI’s tire decode approach

Kurt Busch shed light on 23XI Racing‘s preparation for the Magic Mile race, emphasizing their methodical handling of Goodyear’s new tire package. He noted, “Any time a new tire’s brought to a track, it’s called a ‘decode.’ Our cars did a 40-lap run because they want a good read on the tires and brakes.”

This practice run allowed the team to gauge tire degradation and grip levels over an extended period, crucial for adapting to the short-track specifics at Loudon. By simulating race conditions, 23XI aimed to fine-tune setups for drivers Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace, who started the Round of 12 in strong positions.

The veteran elaborated on the broader implications that the new tires are going to be a little bit more challenging to get ahold of. “But once you get hold of them, they’re going to be more consistent.” This observation of the tires demands initial adjustments but offers reliability once mastered, potentially benefiting teams with robust data analysis. Busch’s comments stem from his advisory role with 23XI, where he contributes to strategic decisions amid the playoff push.

Overall, this approach highlights 23XI’s proactive stance in a competitive field. As Busch pointed out, decoding tires early provides an edge, especially at a track like NHMS, known for its flat turns that test handling. His explanation encourages fans to watch how such prep translates to on-track performance.