Charlotte, NC (Sports Network) - Kurt Busch will drive in the Sprint Cup
Series in 2012 after all, as he signed on with Phoenix Racing on Thursday.
Busch will drive the No. 51 Phoenix Construction Chevrolet Impala next year,
doing so for car owner James Finch.
"Now with Kurt Busch as our driver, we have a shot to win every week," Finch
said. "He's a past champion and he's proven he can win everywhere. Our
sponsors are looking forward to Kurt representing their brands."
Busch is also looking forward to the switch.
"I'm very happy to join Phoenix Racing and after entertaining a lot of quality
offers, there's no better place for me," said Busch. "Christmas came early for
me this year, and I honestly can't wait for the season to begin."
Earlier this month, Penske Racing released Busch from his driving duties with
the No.22 team in the Sprint Cup Series, one week after NASCAR penalized him
for his outburst at Homestead-Miami Speedway
During the November 20 season-ending race at Homestead, Busch experienced
transmission issues and headed to the garage for repairs in the early going.
The 2004 Sprint Cup champion was videotaped making an inappropriate hand
gesture and using foul language while waiting to be interviewed by ESPN pit
reporter Dr. Jerry Punch in the garage area. NASCAR fined Busch $50,000 for
his actions.
Busch drove for Penske from 2006-11, scoring 10 race wins with the
organization, including two this year (Sonoma and Dover fall event). He also
notched 12 poles during his six-year span there. Busch made the Chase for the
Sprint Cup championship four times with Penske.
He finished this season 11th in the Chase point standings, one spot ahead of
his younger brother, Kyle.
Prior to his ride with Penske, Busch drove for Roush Fenway Racing in Sprint
Cup from 2000-05. He missed the last two races of the '05 season after team
owner Jack Roush suspended him for an alcohol-related incident days before the
Phoenix race.
The Sports Network