Kurt Busch Returns to Racing at Race of Champions After Medical Clearance

Kurt Busch Returns to Racing at Race of Champions After Medical Clearance

By Michael Anderson

February 28, 2025 at 05:48 AM

Kurt Busch, the 2004 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, is set to compete alongside Travis Pastrana representing Team USA in the 2025 Race of Champions (RoC) on March 7-8 at Sydney's Accor Stadium. This marks Busch's return to competitive racing after receiving medical clearance following a severe concussion at Pocono in 2022.

Two racecar drivers standing together

Two racecar drivers standing together

Busch has been actively preparing for his return, training at various facilities including:

  • Track sessions in Arizona and North Carolina
  • Practice at Radford Racing School in Chandler, Arizona
  • Skid pad training at Charlotte Motor Speedway
  • Rally car practice focusing on launches and all-wheel drive handling

The veteran driver has partnered with Travis Pastrana, a renowned action sports athlete and multi-time champion across various disciplines. Their previous collaboration at RoC Miami has helped shape their strategy for the upcoming event.

"With my asphalt experience and Travis's versatility, we have every box checked," Busch explains. "We're going into this focused and ready, not intimidated by the situation."

The Race of Champions will be conducted on tarmac, featuring various car configurations including:

  • Rear-wheel drive
  • All-wheel drive
  • Front and rear engine layouts
  • Sequential gearboxes

Busch, who previously secured second place in the Nations Cup, aims to improve on that result. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal performance rather than getting intimidated by competitors, stating, "You're going up against yourself, that car, and that track."

The event will feature practice sessions, race sessions, and media opportunities, bringing together top drivers from various racing disciplines in Australia's premier racing spectacle.

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