NASCAR Cup Series legend Kyle Busch recently hinted at a possible career move after his final retirement from active racing.
Despite currently driving in NASCAR, Busch has begun exploring future opportunities that could expand his professional involvement in the sport. Given his stature as a two-time champion (2015 and 2019) and NASCAR’s all-time winningest record holder in all three major series, talk of his retirement has garnered a lot of attention from fans.
According to the driver, his future, like many others, may lie in broadcasting. His recent appearance on the show “NASCAR Inside the Playoffs” has sparked speculation about his move into media. These experiences in the broadcasting industry aroused curiosity about his future career.
His media involvement draws parallels with other drivers who have successfully transitioned into similar roles. Celebrities like Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, and Jeff Gordon all went into broadcasting after retirement, and Denny Hamlin juggles driving alongside his podcast.
Kyle Busch, driver of the #8 Lucas Oil Chevrolet, waits on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Yellawood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 5, 2024 in Talladega, Alabama. Kyle Busch, driver of the #8 Lucas Oil Chevrolet, waits on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Yellawood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 5, 2024 in Talladega, Alabama. Sean Gardner/Getty Images
After Dale Earnhardt Jr. left racing, he integrated into the media department, providing a template for potential success for Busch to follow.
In a conversation with Jeff Gluck of The Athletic, Mr. Bush admitted that he was briefly interested in broadcasting.
“Maybe. I haven’t really thought about it too much,” Bush said. “I’m willing to step into this a little bit and give it a try and see what the networks are thinking, what the producers are thinking, and everyone behind the scenes is going to have a voice and an opinion on me in the future.” I’m checking to see if it is.”
Former drivers who have entered the broadcasting industry have helped further promote the sport and its athletes. Formula 1 is a great example of this, with experts in a variety of roles, including not only drivers but also strategists and designers, giving their opinions on the sport such as Sky Sports F1 and Formula 1 itself.
“I’ve seen Harvick do it, I’ve seen Darrell Waltrip do it, I’ve seen a lot of other former drivers step into that role. One of the really good things about it is how much you can talk to the driver and how difficult it is to talk to the driver about what they like.
“I’ve had a great life here and it would be nice to be able to give back, but some of the others disappeared into the sunset and I never heard from them again.”
Mr. Bush’s interests extend beyond broadcasting to his son’s race. His son, Brexton, is currently forging his own path, and Busch hopes to join him on his journey to find his footing in motorsports.
“But I also enjoy (my 9-year-old son’s) Brexton races and would love to be a part of that. I also enjoy the dirt track aspect of it and being able to get out there and race on the track. ‘He’s racing.’
“As long as it fits within the schedule, I don’t want to push myself too hard,” Busch explained.
