Kyle Busch has never been one to take no for an answer, especially when it comes to racing. When it comes to acquiring talent for Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) or chasing victories, he is relentless in his pursuit of his objectives. That perseverance can occasionally pay off in the most profound way. It was one driver who found out personally. After retiring from full-time racing, the driver in question was taking some well-earned time off. But Busch’s plans were different. He couldn’t let a great opportunity pass him by. Busch’s phone calls started rolling in. Again, again, again. At first, the driver was uninterested. He had done everything there was to do, after all.
But Busch had no intention of giving up. He continued, convinced that his friend still had what was needed. One night, while they were sitting around a campfire in the desert, everything changed. Finally, with one last prod, Busch got the answer he wanted. What followed was a thrilling race, an unexpected return, and an occasion that would go down in KBM history.
When Greg Biffle was returned to the racetrack by Kyle Busch
The 2016 Cup season was a rather poor one for Greg Biffle. He finished a miserable 23rd overall in the Cup Series, a far cry from his victories in the Busch and Truck series, where he had won crowns more than a decade earlier. After starting out modestly at Rousch, Biffle departed the organization in 2016.
Biffle was expected to return to the 2017 season with a new team and a renewed sense of energy. Additionally, he had possibilities presented to him because of his caliber. “I had numerous calls asking whether I could go drive vehicles. I desired to drive for a squad that I believed I could lead to victory and a championship. Biffle remembered. Biffle did not, however, make a comeback for the 2017 campaign. Naturally, he was even asked, “Why didn’t you?” by Dale Earnhardt Jr. After nearly ten years, Biffle finally explained why he had taken a break from racing and why he had eventually returned. He replied, “I fell in love with having some free time once I had about five, six, or ten weeks off.” Kyle Busch, however, had different ideas for Biffle at the same moment. He recognized a chance to include his longtime friend in the Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) organization.
And he was not going to take no for an answer. However, Biffle turned down Busch’s first suggestion of a full-time Truck Series comeback. “Hey, would you do a full-time truck gig if we could put something together?” Busch inquired. Biffle said, “I’m going to step away for a bit,” and declined. I don’t believe I’m yet prepared for it. Biffle did not return for three years after that in 2016. And Busch, unyielding. At last, in March 2019, on a laid-back evening around the campfire, Busch applied the pressure once again! “Will you be operating my truck in Texas?” Biffle remembered Busch pressing him.
He avoided the track for years before giving in. “I’ll do it, all right.” In a moment, Biffle made his unexpected return to NASCAR. At the Spring Texas Race, Biffle tested around a dozen laps for Kyle Busch Motorsports. He joined and won the SpeedyCash.com 400 a few months later. The story of the comeback was perfect. However, it was also the one that nearly failed.
The drivers that flourished at KBM under Kyle Busch’s guidance are not the only drivers who have benefited from his talent-spotting abilities.
Over the years, Busch has consistently identified talent that not only succeeds but also sets the standard for NASCAR and associated motorsports racing.
His ability to detect promise has resulted in a number of outstanding careers, and many of his drivers have attained NASCAR fame. Drivers like Christopher Bell, Erik Jones, and Noah Gragson started their NASCAR careers at KBM. Bell in particular made waves and even won at the prestigious Bristol Motor Speedway in the Xfinity and Cup Series. Jones quickly transitioned to Cup, proving Busch’s ability to spot talent. Kyle has undoubtedly influenced the careers of future drivers by providing them with the tools necessary for success.
Busch gives them the opportunity to fight for KBM, which would otherwise be impossible. His coaching goes beyond the wheel as he offers advice on the track and in life. Because of his program, Kyle Busch Motorsports has become a launching pad for the next generation of NASCAR drivers. Busch’s aptitude as a driver and a team leader is demonstrated by his track record of spotting and nurturing talent at KBM, from established legends like Biffle to emerging winners like Bell.
