Joe Gibbs Racing signs up Kyle Busch for 2008 season
HUNTERSVILLE, North Carolina – Kyle Busch, the 22 year old driver for Hendrick Motorsports officially announced on Tuesday morning in a press conference about his decision to leave HM and join Joe Gibbs Racing for the season 2008.
Hendrick Motorsports, which probably has the most popular lineup in NASCAR today announced Busch’s departure this summer when the team signed up NASCAR’s most popular driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., who will have to let go his popular number 8.
Busch, who has to let go the most popular lineup in NASCAR when he joins JGR, will only strengthen another high profile lineup boasting of Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin. According to sources, the three cars one team philosophy was the catalyst in the deal. Busch liked the philosophy enough to sacrifice more money and offers of becoming a team leader from other racing teams like Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Richard Childress.
“After talking with a lot of different teams and visiting their shops, Joe Gibbs Racing is where I want to be,” Busch said. “The Nextel Cup Series is filled with good teams and good people, but the moment I saw the shop and began talking with Joe and J.D. Gibbs, there was a level of comfort that made me feel like this is where I belong.
Busch will drive the Number 18 for his new team next season, replacing J. J. Yeley. The No 18 is the same Chevy driven by Bobby Labonte, with which he had enjoyed huge success including winning the 2000 series championship.
Busch currently is 8th in the standings for the final 12 with a remarkable five top five finishes and twelve top ten finishes and has one victory at Bristol in March during the first Car of Tomorrow race. Apparently, Hendrick signed up Earnhardt for his popularity.
