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Kurt Busch is a name that needs no introduction. He has been one of the most successful drivers in the sport, with 34 career wins, including the Daytona 500 in 2017. However, in recent times, the driver has been making headlines for a different reason – his health.

Busch explained in a recent interview, he’s been undergoing physical therapy to improve his balance, and it hasn’t been easy. “I’m on this squishy pad, I’m reading numbers and charts on the wall and moving still with core balance and the lights,” he said.

What landed Kurt Busch in such a situation in the first place?

It turns out that it was a rather scary incident that occurred during a race at Pocono Raceway in 2022. But Busch is optimistic now, that a recently developed physical therapy program, specifically designed to enhance balance and eye movement, will assist in his complete recovery.

On NASCAR Race Hum, he said, “I just don’t like it where my heart rate’s up and the way that I feel to compete against the best of the best.” It’s clear that the road back to full health is a challenging one, but Busch is doing everything he can to get there.

Despite the absence of a clear endpoint, Busch remains determined to persevere. The incident that resulted in Busch’s injuries occurred during a routine qualifying lap in July on a 2½-mile track in Pennsylvania.

As per ESPN, Busch lost control of his No. 45 Toyota and collided with the wall, registering an astounding 30G’s on impact, with concerns raised about the safety of Next-Gen cars. Following the crash, Busch apologized over the radio before reassuring the audience of his well-being with a wave as he walked to the waiting ambulance. He has not raced in a Cup car since the accident.

How Busch has participated in racing despite health challenges?

While he has managed to continue participating in go-karting and simulation racing, Busch admits that the movement generated when his head is against the headrest is still problematic.

He stated, “you know, in the simulator, out there on the go-karts with the guys but then my head and the headrest just having that feel and then doing those exercises still not 100 but loving life, I’ve got a great gig with 23XI, consulting with the drivers, you know […] making things as sharp and as crisp as we can for Tyler Reddick’s development and keeping Bubba [Wallace]  on the hot gas…”

Read More: “We’ll See How You Handle It” – Kurt and Kyle Busch Defend Their $1 Million Loss as They Detail Infamous 2007 Wreck

Despite his health struggles, Busch has been grateful for the opportunity to work with 23XI Racing.

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 16: Kurt Busch, driver of the #45 Monster Energy Toyota, sog during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series 64th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2022 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

The gratitude Busch has towards the team is understandable given the circumstances that led to Reddick’s arrival at the team. Reddick was initially supposed to join the team in 2024, but Busch’s injury expedited the process.

Reddick was let go from RCR so that Kyle Busch could enter, but with Busch joining Richard Childress Racing, Reddick was left without a ride until 23XI Racing opened up a spot.

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Kurt Busch’s dedication to helping his team, despite being unable to race, is a testament to his passion for the sport. It also shows the importance of having a supportive team in NASCAR, with Busch playing a vital role in Tyler Reddick’s development. As Busch continues to recover, fans of the sport will undoubtedly be keeping an eye on his progress, hoping for a speedy recovery and a return to the track.

The post “Still Not…” – Kurt Busch Gives Crucial Update on His Health as He Thanks 23XI Racing for Letting Him Keep “Bubba Wallace on the Hot Gas” appeared first on EssentiallySports.