USA Today via Reuters
Feb 16, 2022; Daytona, FL, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kurt Busch (45) during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 16, 2022; Daytona, FL, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kurt Busch (45) during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
The 23XI Racing team and Kurt Busch dropped a massive bombshell. The driver has confirmed that his team has withdrawn its waiver request. A waiver would protect him from missing the Playoffs, in the event of any injury that would sideline him for a while. However, it seems that many NASCAR fans have smelled a rat with this situation.
Kurt Busch (concussion) to miss start of playoffs. 23XI has withdrawn waiver request, so two playoff spots available at Daytona. Busch: "I respect the sport of NASCAR, my fellow drivers and the fans too much to take up a playoff spot if I know I can’t compete for a championship."
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) August 25, 2022
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Many are of the opinion that this is a conspiracy to aid Martin Truex Jr‘s chances of making the Playoffs. Prior to this, there was just one spot remaining, and Ryan Blaney was in the hot seat.
Meanwhile, Martin Truex Jr. would have to win the Coke Zero Sugar 400 to qualify. Now, Busch’s withdrawal opens the door for him to sneak through to the Playoffs.
This was a pure Toyota decision to get Truex in with Kurt’s uncertainty
— JJ Hill (@jj4hill) August 25, 2022
The Spingate in Richmond caused backlash so yes this was done by nascar and Toyota that way they can let every team know it will be 2 positions available and nascar not catch any heat next week if they allowed someone who didn’t make the playoffs be in it cause of Kurt not racing
— Trey (@SimplyKam10) August 25, 2022
Them cheating Toyotas are back… do you think they would have done this had a Toyota driver not been the next driver out of playoffs. Nope. They would have held onto waiver even if he couldnt race.
— Kyle Martin (@kmart128) August 25, 2022
Two things number 1 I hope Kurt can get back health 2. Isn’t it interesting how this will greatly benefit another Toyota
— Charles Ritchey (@ritchey_charles) August 25, 2022
It is also left unsaid that Busch’s withdrawal now means that there are two spots to grab in the final regular season race. Over here, the likes of Blaney and Truex have to win or accumulate enough points to escape relegation.
On the other hand, they have to be wary of drivers like Bubba Wallace, who have excelled at superspeedways.
What else did fans say about the Kurt Busch and 23XI Racing decision?
Fans sympathized with the 2004 Cup Series champion and wished him a speedy recovery. There is also a bit of a cloud about his future in NASCAR, and his concussion is only making things worse.
via Getty
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 15: Kurt Busch, driver of the #45 Monster Energy Toyota, drives during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series 64th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2022 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
This is Bullsh*t! Its two weeks before the playoffs start! They could pull the waiver then.This stinks!Toyota, Joe Gibbs & NASCAR are up to something. And don't ever tell me that those organizations don't lie to the fans or press simply by not telling the whole story! This sucks!
— SoberandSilly (@SoberandSilly93) August 25, 2022
Well done by Kurt, but with Truax on the outside looking in, I'm sure a deal was made especially with #Toyota's involvement, & #23XI a #JGR affiliate. Also, #TyGibbs is Kurt's replacement, Joe Gibbs Grandson, but Ty is unquestionably very worthy. All the pieces fit! #NASCAR
— Rick Glaser (@RealRickGlaser1) August 25, 2022
I wonder if this was in part to help his teammate Truex make it to the next round or handed down by Joe Gibbs?
— Ron (@58BigRon) August 25, 2022
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Wonder if this was a manufacturer discussion with the #19 being out?
— Brian keith Ringgold (@bkr1994) August 25, 2022
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Until then, Ty Gibbs certainly won’t be complaining, as he gets more valuable Cup Series experience. This could also help Gibbs bulk up his resume, for when he eventually makes a bid for a full-time seat in the future. So for now, the Playoff dogfight will truly become fierce. One thing is for sure, Blaney and Truex Jr. will have to bring their A-game to the track.
WATCH STORY: NASCAR Spotter Sheds Light on the “Great Opportunity” Toyota Could Have with Kyle Busch & Kurt Busch
