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via Getty

via Getty

Kurt Busch was the first driver to face the consequences of poor safety in NASCAR’s Next-Gen cars. Unfortunately, he was the first proof of the hits that drivers complained about, and was forced to sit out most of the 2022 season because of Concussion-like symptoms.

But could he come back to race in the Cup Series now? Or there is still no chance? Well, Denny Hamlin gave us a much-needed answer.

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For those who don’t know, Busch has been actively going to the races whenever he could, sitting with his team and observing. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to race, still. But he had Ty Gibbs filling in for him; replaced by Bubba Wallace for the Playoffs. However, one person who was at the center of it was the crew chief of the #45 team, Billy Scott. He has worked with three different drivers this season.

Of course, that deserves some respect, and Busch decided it’s his duty to make sure he’s appreciated.

But this made all the fans question whether he will return to the field to race, or not. Because he is sitting in the stands in the picture. Fortunately, though, Hamlin gave us an answer. But his reply was quite vague.

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“It really won’t matter to us, I think,” said Denny. “It’s kind of whatever he feels comfortable with. … We’re indifferent on it, to be honest with you.”

But what do you think? Will Kurt return to the grid anytime soon?

Hamlin feels optimistic after NASCAR’s driver’s conference

Hamlin had previously been highly critical of NASCAR and its safety issues which saw drivers such as Kurt Busch and Alex Bowman rendered out of the car for a good part of the season. However, at one point he did seem to be a little optimistic about the entire situation.

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USA Today via Reuters

As per reports, NASCAR had conducted a crash test to determine the underlying problems with the car. Soon after during a mandatory drivers’ press conference, they stated that they would be working on the fix and make sure that it is in place before the iconic Daytona 500 race next year.

Following the conference, Hamlin delivered a statement, in which he said, “At this point, I feel like I’ve said everything I could on the safety side. I wouldn’t change anything, but now we just wait on the results.”

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So do you think NASCAR will finally turn the tables? Let us know in the comments.