Where Will Kyle Busch Drive in 2025? Potential NASCAR Teams

When Kyle Busch announced he’d step away from full‑time competition after the 2024 season, the racing world immediately began to wonder about his Kyle Busch's 2025 Ride. The former Cup champion isn’t just walking away; he’s hinting at a part‑time comeback that could see him in a different paint scheme, a new crew chief, or even a fresh manufacturer alliance. With contracts winding down, sponsors reshuffling, and a handful of seats suddenly open, fans and analysts alike are piecing together clues to guess which NASCAR team might land the “Kid” for 2025.

Kyle Busch's 2025 Ride: Which NASCAR Team Could He Join?

Busch’s contract with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) officially expires at the close of the 2024 season. While nothing has been signed yet, the terms of his departure suggest a degree of flexibility. He’s expressed interest in staying involved on a limited basis, meaning a team that can accommodate a “select‑race” schedule without sacrificing its own championship aspirations. That narrows the field to organizations that value veteran expertise and have the resources to field a competitive part‑time car.

Teams with an Open Seat for a Veteran

Several Cup outfits will find themselves with a vacant driver’s seat or a second car to fill. Here are the most plausible candidates:

• 23XI Racing – Co‑owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, the team is still building its identity. A part‑time schedule for Busch could bring a proven winner to a young roster while keeping the brand in the spotlight.
• Front Row Motorsports – After a strong 2023 season, they may look for a marquee name to attract sponsors for a handful of high‑profile events.
• Legacy Motor Club (formerly Richard Petty Motorsports) – With a refreshed ownership group, they could leverage Busch’s experience to boost performance on superspeedways.

The Pull of Returning to Joe Gibbs Racing

It would be easy to assume that the most straightforward option is to stay at JGR on a reduced schedule. The team already has a comfortable chemistry with Busch, and his No. 18 Chevrolet continues to be a fan favorite. Moreover, JGR’s deep engineering resources would give him a competitive car without the need for a steep learning curve. The downside? JGR’s full‑time lineup is already stacked, and allocating a part‑time ride could complicate sponsor commitments.

Considering a Switch to a New Manufacturer

If Busch wants to explore fresh challenges, a move to a Ford or Toyota operation might be on the table. The idea of driving a Ford for Team Penske, for instance, would reunite him with a team that has consistently won championships in recent years. Conversely, a part‑time deal with 23XI Racing would keep him under the Toyota umbrella, aligning with his long‑standing relationship with the brand.

The Wild Card: Stewart‑Haas or Roush‑Stradling?

Both Stewart‑Haas Racing and Roush‑Stradling Racing have hinted at expanding their Cup programs. A veteran like Busch could serve as a mentor for younger talent while still chasing personal milestones—perhaps a final win at Daytona or a last‑ditch chase for a record‑breaking pole position. These teams also have the financial backing to field a high‑quality part‑time car without disrupting their primary drivers.

What Factors Will Shape His Decision?

Several practical considerations are likely to tip the scales:

• Sponsorship Alignment – Busch’s personal sponsors, such as M&M’s and Powerade, will weigh heavily on any potential deal.
• Schedule Flexibility – A team willing to let him pick marquee events (like the Daytona 500, Coca‑Cola 600, or the Brickyard) will be more attractive than one demanding a full season commitment.
• Technical Support – Access to top‑tier engineers and crew chiefs can make the difference between a respectable finish and a genuine chance at victory.
• Legacy Considerations – Busch has hinted at wanting to “go out on his own terms.” A team that lets him chase personal records while helping develop younger drivers could satisfy that desire.

Potential Timeline for a 2025 Announcement

Most teams finalize driver lineups by the end of the current season, especially for part‑time arrangements that involve sponsor negotiations. Expect an official press release sometime between November and early January. Until then, watch for subtle hints during the off‑season testing sessions—like a particular team’s pit box being reserved for a “guest driver” or a sponsor’s logo appearing on a backup car.

FAQ

Will Kyle Busch run a full schedule in 2025?

All indications point to a part‑time schedule. Busch has repeatedly said he wants to “pick and choose” races that matter most to him, rather than committing to the grueling 36‑race season.

Which team is most likely to sign him for a part‑time ride?

While nothing is set in stone, 23XI Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing are the frontrunners because both have existing relationships with Busch and the flexibility to accommodate a limited schedule.

Can a part‑time driver still earn points toward the championship?

No. NASCAR only awards driver points to those who declare for points at the season’s start, and a part‑time driver would forgo championship contention in favor of race‑by‑race performance.

Will his move affect his existing sponsorships?

Most of his personal sponsors have expressed interest in staying on board, provided the new team can deliver comparable exposure. That’s why sponsor alignment is a key factor in any potential deal.