Kurt Busch is set to make his return to racing after joining forces with Travis Pastrana. He will compete in the Race of Champions.
Videos by FanBuzz
According to a Jan. 13 press release, Busch will join Pastrana at Accor Stadium in Sydney, Australia, on March 7-8. The duo will represent the United States of America as they compete against a packed lineup of drivers.
This season will mark Busch's third time competing in the Race of Champions, which pits top drivers against each other on a unique figure-eight course. They control identical cars and let pure driving skills determine the outcome.
Busch first competed in the Race of Champions in 2014 at Bushy Park, Barbados. He secured stage wins before reaching the Quarterfinals. He returned to the Race of Champions in 2017 in Miami, Florida. He and brother Kyle Busch finished runner-up in the Nations' Cup.
He's really back! We are thrilled to share @KurtBusch will make his return to racing for Team USA at #ROCSydney on 7-8 March. 🇺🇸🇦🇺
The NASCAR great has been called up by USA team-mate @TravisPastrana for the all-star event, facing Vettel, Loeb, Bottas and many more aces. pic.twitter.com/yFOIIWNNkW
— Race Of Champions (@RaceOfChampions) January 13, 2025
"Race car drivers always push the limits to the best, and drive to win," said Busch in a press release. "That is what I have strived for my whole career, and to receive another invite from Race Of Champions is a chance to go up against the best from around the world. What an honor! Thank you, ROC. Team USA!"
The list of confirmed racers includes such names as 10-time F1 winner Valtteri Bottas, four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel, seven-time V8 Supercars champion Jamie Whincup, 2020 F2 champion Mick Schumacher, 2025 Supercars champion Will Brown, and nine-time World Rally champion Sebastien Loeb.
This return to racing is a significant step for Busch, who has not competed since 2022. He sustained a concussion in a qualifying crash at Pocono Raceway in July 2022 while trying to win the pole. This injury ultimately ended his NASCAR career.
On Aug. 26, 2023, Busch held a press conference at Daytona International Speedway and formally announced his retirement from NASCAR. He noted that he had not yet received medical clearance but that he hoped he could return to motorsports.
According to the Race of Champions announcement, Busch has received medical clearance to compete alongside Pastrana in Australia. x
