NASCAR’s Kurt Busch Shares Recovery Update Ahead of Daytona 500

The veteran driver hasn’t competed since suffering a head injury following a crash in July.

Ahead of the 2023 Daytona 500 on Sunday, Kurt Busch offered an update on his health as he continues to recover from a July crash that left him with concussion-like symptoms.

Busch, 44, told reporters on Friday he has made progress in recent months but is still working to overcome issues stemming from his accident, which occurred after he hit a wall during qualifying at Pocono Raceway. The veteran driver also noted that his doctors expect him to make a full recovery before adding that his return to competition remains unknown at this time.

“I just know I’m not 100% to race with these guys at this level,” Busch said at Daytona International Speedway, per NBC Sports. “Could I go do a (Sports Car Club of America) club race next week? Probably not wise. Just when I have my head in the headrest and with that movement, that bothers me. I’ve made progress since August, and I believe there will be a full recovery. But the balance and eye movement now are getting interest.”

Busch’s remarks come a little over four months after the 2004 Cup Series champion announced he would be “stepping away” from racing full-time in 2023. Though he may not be competing on the track, Busch stayed with 23XI Racing as a consultant and is fulfilling other commitments.

With doubts still remaining regarding an eventual return, Busch acknowledged that he’ll take his time on deciding the future but emphasized that he would be content if his career came to an end as a result of his head injury.

“I’m fine with the way that everything has gone,” he said. “I’d just like to go and race cars. We’ll see where things pan out. Whether it’s my decision or somebody from up above, it doesn’t matter to me. I’m very happy and complacent. To have had this opportunity to race in this sport for 23 years and to hit all the high notes and low notes — I wouldn’t trade it for a thing.

“It’s a Hollywood ending — going for a pole on your last lap ever. I’m smiling about it. I’m happy with it.”