KANNAPOLIS, N.C. – After months of negotiations and fans waiting for news with bated breath, Kurt Busch confirmed Tuesday evening that he has inked a contract extension that will keep him at Stewart-Haas Racing for the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season.
The news came via Busch’s Twitter, finally ending any talk that SHR would not retain Busch after they didn’t pick up the existing option year on his contract during the middle of the summer stretch.
Busch, who won the 2004 Cup championship in the debut year of the 10-race playoff system, will chase his second title next year aboard the No. 41 Ford.
“Having my hard work pay off by winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup and the 2017 Daytona 500 has given me the drive to continue conquering the NASCAR world,” said Busch. “I am excited to enter the 2018 racing season as a Monster Energy athlete, where I will continue to drive my favorite manufacturer, the Ford Motor Company.”
“Knowing that SHR is committed to optimum performance, I believe that I have everything I need to win races this season and take home the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup. I look forward to taking on next year with my team, sponsors and determination.”
Busch joins returning teammates Kevin Harvick (No. 4) and Clint Bowyer (No. 14), as well as new SHR pilot Aric Almirola (No. 10), as part of a continued four-car effort for the two-time Cup championship-winning team next season.
Prior to Tuesday’s announcement from Busch, he had been an effective free agent since news of his option year not being picked up first broke in August.
Now, Busch returns for his fifth-straight season with SHR. Over the past four years, Busch has amassed five wins in the No. 41, including his first Daytona 500 crown this year. He has also made the playoffs in every year of his tenure with SHR.
Overall, Busch has 29 wins, 22 poles, 131 top-five and 258 top-10 finishes in his 17-year Cup career.
The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season kicks off on Feb. 18 with the 60th running of the Daytona 500.
About the Writer
Jacob Seelman is the Managing Editor of Race Chaser Online and creator of the Motorsports Madness radio show, airing at 7 p.m. Eastern every Monday on the Performance Motorsports Network, as well as a periodic contributor to SPEED SPORT Magazine.
Seelman grew up in the sport, watching his grandparents co-own the RaDiUs Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series team in the 1990s.
The 23-year-old is currently studying Broadcast Journalism at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., and is also serving as the full-time tour announcer for the Must See Racing Sprint Car Series.
Email Jacob at: [email protected]
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