Kyle Busch, one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history, announced that after driving for team Toyota since 2008, he will be leaving to join Richard Childress Racing and Chevrolet next season.
Kyle Busch to join Richard Childress Racing in 2023
Busch, 37, a two-time Cup champion — the only active multi-time Cup champ in the series — helped the Toyota brand accomplish a number of prestigious milestones, including its first Cup Series win for the Camry and first Cup Series championship, NBC Sports reported.
Busch made the announcement at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, where his career will certainly be honored once it is complete.
"This is probably one of the biggest days of my life and my career," Busch said.
"What a big day," six-time champion car owner Richard Childress said.
Bush will drive the No. 8 car for Richard Childress Racing next season.
Bush has scored 56 of his 60 career Cup victories with Joe Gibbs Racing, as well as a total of 146 races in Cup and scoring 90 Xfinity wins, NASCAR NBC reported.
What happens next at RCR & JGR?
Busch will move to the No. 8 RCR car, replacing Tyler Reddick, who will either drive a third car at RCR or move to another team, Fox Sports reported. Austin Dillon will continue in the No. 3 RCR car and will be teammates with Busch for at least the next three years.
At Team Toyota, Ty Gibbs is expected to fill Busch's slot in his grandfather's racing team.
Brexton Busch, Kyle’s Son, gets ‘Contract Option’ From NASCAR Team
Brexton Busch, the son of Kyle Busch, has also received a "contract option" from Richard Childress Racing. Given that Brexton is only seven years old, the move isn't remotely legally binding, NESN reported, but it does leave the possibility that father and son could eventually be teammates.
Jeremy Clements wins appeal, to return to Xfinity playoff list
NASCAR driver Jeremy Clements won his appeal after NASCAR cited his team for an intake manifold violation during his August 26 victory at the Daytona International Speedway. The reversal will return points to the team. It will also return Clements, who qualified with the race win, to playoff qualification.
The penalties included losses of 75 driver and owner points and 10 playoff points. The penalties dropped Clements from the potential playoff list and positioned him far below the cutoff line, NBC Sports reported.
Only Friday night’s Xfinity race at Bristol Motor Speedway remains on the regular-season schedule.