Kyle Busch Could Become Most Coveted Free Agent Ever In NASCAR

NASCAR Teams Lining Up To Sign Busch For Next Season

Kyle Busch, who will be replaced by Dale Earnhardt Jr. as a driver for the Hendrick Motorsports' Nextel Cup team next season, has become the “most coveted free agent in NASCAR history,” as the “demand for Busch’s services is even greater than” it was for Earnhardt, according to Lars Anderson of SPORTS ILLUSTRATED. A high-ranking member of a team “that is aggressively pursuing Busch” said of the 22-year-old, “You can build your entire race team around Kyle and keep him in your car for the next 15 years, which is extremely attractive. Dale Jr. is certainly popular, but he’s also 32 years old, and he has not been as successful recently.” Anderson reports all of NASCAR’s top teams except Roush Fenway Racing “have tried to woo Busch.” The top contenders figure to be Dale Earnhardt Inc., Joe Gibbs Racing, Evernham Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing, and the “best fit for Busch is probably at DEI, where he could take the seat that will be vacated by Earnhardt.” A DEI team member said, “I promise you if Kyle comes to DEI, Teresa won’t let him fail” (SI, 7/23 issue).