Kurt Busch Announcement Reveals New NASCAR Rule in Effect

Last year, reports emerged that NASCAR planned to shift the drivers’ racing numbers on the cars in 2022. The idea is to free up more space for sponsor logos. To convince everyone, the officials elected to use the 2020 July 15 All-Star Race at the Bristol Motor Speedway as a guinea pig. Needless to say, it was a resounding success, and many were happy. Now, the 23XI Racing team offered another glimpse of this rule when they announced Kurt Busch as the team’s second driver.

The 23XI Racing announcement video has revealed that Kurt’s new number, #45, will be situated near the front wheel. Prior to this, the car numbers were located under the window and in between the front and rear wheels. The new positioning obviously frees up a lot of space for the primary sponsor logo. In Busch’s case, it is Monster Energy, as the energy drinks brand is his major sponsor.

NASCAR confirms car numbers will move forward next season as shown in the Kurt Busch video via 23XI Racing. pic.twitter.com/ZLU6lUTwga

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) August 27, 2021

Last year, NASCAR president Steve Phelps spoke about using the All-Star race as a test for the number experiment. He said, “I think the All-Star (Race) historically has been an opportunity for us to test things, and I think that’s exactly what we’re doing with this. Teams have asked us to take a look at this, provide some additional visibility for sponsors, so that’s what we’ll test.”

What next for Kurt Busch?

For the moment, the 2004 Cup Series champion is content with seeing out the remainder of the 2021 season. At the moment, he is battling for the Cup Series championship after his Atlanta win saw him book a playoff berth for the ninth consecutive season.

Sep 27, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kurt Busch (1) during the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Additionally, this is Chip Ganassi Racing’s final season in the sport. This is because the Trackhouse Racing team will purchase the team and absorb it into its own team. Busch’s recruitment was only possible because the team approached another team to purchase a charter. Without a doubt, the 2004 Cup Series champion’s recruitment will be hugely beneficial for the team and Wallace himself.

Next Gen cars are set to make their debut next season, and the 43-year-old’s experience could prove to be massively helpful for the outfit and the 27-year-old Wallace.

READ MORE: NASCAR to Change the Position of Drivers’ Racing Numbers

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