In honor of Kyle Busch’s birthday, NASCAR posted a video on its YouTube page on Friday, May 2. His amazing 15-year career with Joe Gibbs Racing and his departure from the organization in 2023 were also covered in the video. In the video, people like Brad Keselowski, Dave Alpern, and Joe Gibbs discussed how the driver changed from being a violent, boisterous driver to an elderly statesman. Busch stated, “The departure was just not a smooth one, not a great one,” when he left Joe Gibbs Racing. (5:20–5:30) A lack of sponsorship from Mars Inc., which withdrew from NASCAR in the 2022 season, was one of the many reasons Busch had to depart JGR in 2023. The group was unable to secure a replacement sponsor for Busch, and he made the move to Richard Childress racing.
Despite having a wonderful working relationship, Joe Gibbs and Busch decided to end their collaboration in 2023. JGR president Dave Alpern considered Busch’s impact on the team and his development under Gibbs. “Coach Joe Gibbs was, in my opinion, the ideal leader. There was respect for each other’s greatness, both Kyle and Coach. Regarding Joe Gibbs and Kyle Busch, Dave Alpern remarked, “I think it was a really good balance. Kyle appreciated coach letting him be rowdy but also pushing him back whenever needed.” (4:45–5:00) “I believe that his mentality and everything has changed with time, especially with the family. He went from being a young man who was single and trying his hand at everything, to being a family guy,” Joe Gibbs explained. (5:45- 5:55)
In addition to winning 56 Cup Series races with the team, Busch has won two NASCAR Cup Series Championships. In his debut season with the squad, he won eight Cup races. Busch was the most successful JGR driver ever; after winning multiple awards, his No. 18 became a symbol of the sport. Samantha, Kyle Busch’s wife, talks about his transformation from a boisterous child to an elder statesman. Kyle Busch gained notoriety for his boisterous demeanor, combative conduct, and his clever remarks in interviews. Samantha Busch, his wife, emphasized how becoming a father shaped Busch into the person he is now. “Kyle has changed in a lot of ways since becoming a father. Another factor comes into play when you have to take your child to the victory lane, and that was something so special.”
“Brexton was crying after he won the Tulsa Shootout. Seeing that softer side of him was amazing for his wife. In private, he is gregarious, humorous, loving, and attentive. Samantha Busch stated, “I believe that’s the person I’ve always had the opportunity to see.” (6:45–7:00, 6:00–6:10) Additionally, Samantha commended Kyle for being a wonderful father who taught their kids to race, ran around them, and was ecstatic when they succeeded. Regarding Kyle Busch, Dave Alpern stated, “I think this version of Kyle is very different from the version we inherited in 2008.” (7:20–7:30) When asked if he would rather be remembered by Kyle or Rowdy, Kyle Busch responded. He said both as he developed during the raucous phase to what he is today and whatever he has achieved.
