Kurt Busch, one of modern NASCAR’s most iconic figures, has been embracing life to the fullest since retiring from full-time racing in 2023. After a celebrated career that saw him take 45 victories, clinching the 2004 Cup Series championship and the 2017 Daytona 500 on the way, Busch has pivoted to a life of travel, family, and personal discovery.

Recently, he delighted fans by sharing a nostalgic visit to Disneyland, marking his first return since he was 12 years old.

Kurt Busch and his girlfriend Moore have been on a bunch of different adventures in the last few weeks. The couple were seen at an NFL game earlier this week at the Bank of America Stadium. Although the former NASCAR driver has a massive interest in visiting every ballpark in the country, this time he settled for watching the Kansas City Chiefs taking on the Carolina Panthers. Just a week after the game, he headed to Disneyland to embrace a different side of himself.

“Warning! Here comes my Disneyland photo dump,” Busch teased on Instagram. “I haven’t been here since I was 12 years old. Thanks @Disneyland, we had a blast!” The post featured a lively montage of photos and videos, capturing candid moments with his new girlfriend, Lyda Moore. Their trip showcased the happy couple basking in Disneyland’s timeless magic. One iconic image in the video was of Busch riding in the ride from the Cars movie, one that became synonymous with NASCAR because of its protagonist, Lightning McQueen.

Just weeks earlier, he and Moore had cheered on his brother Kyle Busch at a USAC Midget Series race in Ventura, California. Whether at racetracks or Disneyland, Busch has been making the most of his new chapter.

Kurt Busch continuously proved that life after the fast-paced, high-stakes world of NASCAR can be just as fulfilling as his storied time on the track. Beyond his travels and time with family, Busch continues to stay connected to motorsports, attending events like Formula 1 races and cheering on his brother Kyle’s successes. At the same time, he’s been forging new memories with Moore, sharing milestones that resonate with fans who have followed his career for decades.

Fans celebrate a NASCAR legend’s new chapter

Moore, a medical aesthetician specializing in laser technology, has become a key part of Busch’s personal and public life. During their Disneyland outing, the pair explored classic attractions, shared laughs on rides, and relaxed in themed bars, with Moore often taking center stage in the photos. Fans took note of their chemistry, with one commenting, “Looks like you two had lots of fun! Merry Christmas!” For Busch, the trip symbolized not just nostalgia but a celebration of life after overcoming personal challenges. His divorce from his second wife, Ashley Van Metre in 2022 marked a difficult period where he faced issues with the law after drunk driving charges, but he seems to have since bounced back with resilience and a renewed sense of joy.

Fans online were quick to share their reactions to Busch’s Disneyland adventure. Some were in awe of seeing him at such an iconic venue, with one writing, “Imagine going to Cars Land and seeing Kurt Busch—I’d lose it!” Others took the chance to express how much they missed their sporting hero, with one fan exclaiming, “You’re the best, Kurt! Hope to see you on track again someday!” Another joked about Busch’s fame going unnoticed by the clueless people around them, saying, “Do Californians even know who you are? C’mon, it’s Kurt F**ing Busch!”*

One comment that captured the mood read, “Going to Disney with @kurtbusch must be an experience within itself!” Busch’s Instagram post was a glimpse into his relationship with Moore and a window into his evolving personal life. His five-year marriage to Ashley Van Metre ended amid legal disputes and serious but undisclosed accusations against the former champion in 2022, with reports of financial disagreements casting a shadow over their separation. However, Busch’s current happiness with Moore has fans applauding his ability to move forward.

“Dayum! Good pull, Kurt!” one fan wrote, echoing the excitement shared by many. Another added, “Miss you on the track, but glad to see you winning in life!” Although Busch was part of 23XI as a consultant, it has been a long time since fans saw him race after retiring from the sport due to concussions. Fans also celebrated Moore, describing her as a “total hottie”.