Not every driver-team relationship ends with a handshake and a smile. In NASCAR, tension, frustration, or a scandal fuels some splits. While many drivers leave teams on amicable terms, others exit amid controversy. Tony Stewart left Joe Gibbs Racing in 2008 because of his loyalty to Chevrolet. JGR had switched to Toyota, leading him to form Stewart-Haas Racing. Meanwhile, Kyle Busch’s exit from Hendrick Motorsports in 2007 stemmed from clashes with the team and performance inconsistencies. It paved the way for Dale Earnhardt Jr. to take his seat.

One of the most memorable and controversial splits in NASCAR history involved Kurt Busch and Roush Racing, his team at the time. Busch’s departure was a mix of on-track underperformance and off-track issues. Yes, he raced his heart out at first. However, all those issues culminated in a dramatic fall from grace. Kurt’s then-teammate Greg Biffle spoke candidly on DJD Classics. The driver mentioned the behind-the-scenes dynamics and tensions that led to Busch’s ousting.

Greg Biffle breaks the silence on Kurt Busch’s Roush Racing exit

Kurt Busch’s departure from Roush Racing in 2005 wasn’t just about switching teams. It was a messy split marred with controversy. Some stories will probably shock you. Initially, Roush was unwilling to release Busch despite his contract with Penske. But naturally, tensions escalated when Jamie McMurray’s move to Roush stole the headlines, forcing Roush to cut ties earlier than expected.

Switching our focus, he had three wins and finished 10th in points that year. However, his off-track behavior became a growing concern. An incident just 2 miles from Phoenix International Raceway, where he was supposed to race the following Sunday, led to a NASCAR suspension. He was detained on suspicion of drunken driving after he ran a stop sign. Officials cited Busch for reckless driving, going 60 mph in a 45-mph zone, after a confrontation with police.

That marked the precipitous end of his Roush tenure, as they pulled him out from the final two races of the season.

According to Greg Biffle, Busch’s attitude during the incident played a critical role in Roush’s decision. “He didn’t get a DUI, but they stopped him… and I think he was a real a—— to the cops,” Biffle recalled.

Reports at the time suggested Busch made remarks like, “Do you know who I am?” The incident damaged his reputation and gave Roush the justification to part ways.

Busch’s exit wasn’t entirely performance-related when you think about it. Success in NASCAR involves more than just on-track performance. We talk about loyalty, integrity, and professionalism continuing to become the drivers’ benchmark. And yes, even if he wins championships, teams can strike a nail in a driver’s career.

Biffle also noted that Busch’s frustrations with the team likely contributed to his outburst. “Kurt was definitely unhappy,” he said. Biffle shed light on the fact that Roush just took that opportunity and said, “You know what? You’re not gonna drive.” While Busch’s talent was undeniable, his clashes with management and controversial behavior overshadowed his success, making his exit from Roush inevitable.

Since then, Kurt Busch has had a mixed racing career. While he showed potential by winning the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2006 and the Daytona 500 in 2017, his off-track demeanor affected his on-track performances. Kurt Busch called it quits from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition in August 2023.

This was because of injuries sustained from the 2022 Pocono Cup incident, the effects of which he still feels today. Yet, there is light at the end of the tunnel for Kurt Busch.

Kurt set for triumphant return at the Race Of Champions

After a challenging period following a severe concussion in 2022 at Pocono, Kurt Busch has been medically cleared to race again. His first competitive appearance will be at the 2025 Race of Champions in Sydney, Australia, on March 7-8. The driver featured on the Top 75 NASCAR Drivers of All-Time list will partner with Travis Pastrana. He will aim to represent Team USA at the Accor Stadium with distinction.

Busch’s journey back involved rigorous preparation, including track days in Arizona and North Carolina. He expressed enthusiasm about reconnecting with the racing community and is eager to showcase his skills on the international stage.

“It has been awesome these last couple of months, preparing for the Race of Champions,” Busch said. “I have been doing some track days in Arizona and some track days in North Carolina. It has been so much fun just dialing myself back in,” he added. It’s great to see him make a return to racing.

The Race of Champions gathers elite drivers from various disciplines, offering a unique platform for Busch to demonstrate his versatility. Fans worldwide remain keen to see how Busch will navigate this prestigious competition. His collaboration with Pastrana adds excitement, and it certainly attracts eyeballs.

As the event approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a memorable comeback for Kurt Busch. Ya’ll excited to see the man behind the wheel?