BREAKING: Kurt Busch “grateful” to be nominated for NASCAR Hall of Fame consideration

After more than two decades behind the wheel, Kurt Busch has taken a step closer to cementing his legacy, earning a nomination for induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame — and the 2004 Cup Series champion says he’s “truly grateful” for the honor.

Busch, 46, responded to the announcement Wednesday afternoon with emotion and humility, reflecting on a career that spanned 776 Cup Series starts, 34 wins, and a reputation as one of the sport’s most tenacious competitors.

“I’ve had the ride of a lifetime,” Busch said in a statement. “From Roush to Penske to Stewart-Haas and 23XI, every chapter has shaped me. Being considered for the Hall of Fame… that’s something I never imagined when I was just a kid out west racing late models.”

Busch’s journey in NASCAR has been defined by both triumph and transformation. He captured the inaugural Nextel Cup title in 2004, navigated highs and lows with multiple teams, and became a vocal advocate for mental health and driver safety in the later stages of his career — particularly following the head injury that ultimately led to his retirement in 2022.

Now, he joins a short list of nominees for the 2025 Hall of Fame class, alongside other notable names like Carl Edwards, Ricky Rudd, and Larry Phillips.

NASCAR Hall of Fame voters will announce their final selections in June, but fans and analysts are already voicing strong support for Busch’s inclusion.

“Kurt wasn’t just a champion,” said FOX Sports analyst Larry McReynolds. “He was a fierce racer, a leader, and one of the smartest minds in the garage. This nomination is more than deserved.”

Busch, now a part-time TV analyst and advisor with 23XI Racing, says he’s content with wherever the process leads.

“I’ve already won — I got to live my dream,” he added. “But if this is how the story ends, it would be a beautiful way to close the book.”