Kyle Busch is set join Richard Childress Racing in 2023, ending a 15-year run with Joe Gibbs Racing which saw Busch win 56 races. An official announcement was made last Tuesday.
The two Cup Series champion will drive the RCR No.8 car, taking it over from Tyler Reddick , as his contract to drive the No.8 car for RCR runs out at the end of the 2024 season.
Toyota’s racing released a statement venting its dissatisfaction at losing its top Cup driver, dubbing Busch one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history.
Confirmed: Kyle Busch to join Richard Childress Racing in 2023
TRD chief David Wilson was heavily involved in trying to keep Busch in the Toyota fold.
Wilson has come forward to describe his and the manufacturer’s thoughts on the Busch’s departure.
“We have absolutely been right in the middle of it. I have been right in the middle of it. We made a valiant effort to try and keep Kyle Busch in our family, and I’ll simply say that there were opportunities on the table for him to stay in a Toyota with our family,” Wilson said.
“But ultimately, it takes two parties. It takes two to tango, as they say. Ultimately, we weren’t able to get it done, and Richard Childress and Chevrolet were,” David Wilson added.
Wilsom singled out that the experience wouldn’t have been flourishing if not for Toyota.
He also added that although it’s a harsh situation for them they are carrying there self in a respectful way.
“I’ll forever be proud of the success that we shared with Kyle and Kyle Busch Motorsports. That could not have happened without Toyota and the support that we brought to the table every year.
So, it’s a tough situation but again, as a manufacturer in the sport, we’re always going to [carry] ourselves in a respectful manner. That’s worked out for us over the years, and I’m proud overall of all of that,” says TDR Chief
“I’m not going to minimize what happened today or make light of it [and] it’s tough too because candidly, it’s a sad day for Team Toyota. Certainly, we are disappointed that we’re not going forward,” added Wilson.
Kyle Busch also operates as team owner of Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM), which fields three full-time entries in the NASCAR Truck Series.
You all fed up but Kyle will be alright when you put your grandkids over your number 1 driver I’d go to