Kurt Busch Shares Insights on 23XI Racing’s Tire Strategy for New Hampshire Race
Kurt Busch recently provided details about 23XI Racing’s tire strategy ahead of this week’s NASCAR race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The 2004 NASCAR Cup Series champion explained that the team conducted a 40-lap practice session to analyze the new Goodyear Racing Eagle tires—a process known within the sport as a “decode.”
Although Busch no longer competes as a driver for 23XI Racing, he now serves as a mentor and consultant for the Toyota-backed team co-owned by six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan. Currently, the organization fields three full-time entries: Bubba Wallace in the #23, Riley Herbst in the #35, and Tyler Reddick in the #45.
This weekend, NASCAR will utilize the same Goodyear tire package recently run at tracks including Bowman Gray Stadium, Martinsville Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, and Richmond Raceway. The soft compound tires are designed to provide extra grip but come with quicker performance fall-off. This dynamic sets up intriguing tire strategies throughout the 301-lap race.
“Any time a new tire’s brought to a track, it’s called a ‘decode,’” Busch explained. “Our cars did a 40-lap run because they want a good read on the tires and brakes.”
Busch is no stranger to the 1.058-mile oval in Loudon, New Hampshire, where he has earned three NASCAR Cup Series victories. He scored back-to-back wins with Roush Racing in 2004 and added another triumph with Penske Racing (now Team Penske) in 2008.
In addition to supporting the team, the 47-year-old Busch has been named grand marshal for the Mobil 1 301, scheduled for September 21 at 2:00 p.m. ET. The race will kick off the Round of 12 in the playoffs, where two 23XI Racing drivers remain contenders: Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick.
Wallace currently sits eighth in the playoff standings with just a one-point buffer, while Reddick is 12th, narrowly three points below the cutoff line. A strong finish at Loudon could quickly catapult Reddick near the top of the leaderboard.
Kurt Busch Updates on His Roles at New Hampshire
Kurt Busch posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he is at New Hampshire Motor Speedway both to fulfill his grand marshal duties and to support 23XI Racing. He also shared a humorous story about the “Loudon the Lobster” trophy.
In 2008, Busch earned the very first Loudon the Lobster trophy, unique to this race. He attempted to donate the original trophy to the Boston Aquarium, but the track is now gifting him a replica instead.
Busch wrote on social media:
“Headed to (New Hampshire Motor Speedway) this weekend to cover grand marshal duties and to support (23XI Racing). In ’08, I was able to capture the 1st ever Loudon the Lobster trophy. The track is gifting me a replica because I tried to donate mine to the Boston Aquarium.”
Before taking on his mentorship role with 23XI Racing, Busch drove the #45 Toyota during the 2022 season. Unfortunately, a crash at Pocono Raceway sidelined him, leading to his official retirement announcement the following year.
As older brother to two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch (#8 Richard Childress Racing driver), Kurt continues to make a significant impact in the sport through his experience and guidance.
Stay tuned for race weekend updates as 23XI Racing battles for playoff position at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
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