INDYCAR: Busch open to Indy 500 return

Kurt Busch says that the shortage of competitive seats is the biggest obstacle standing between himself and a place on the grid for this year's 100th running of the Indianapolis 500.

The 2004 Cup champion finished sixth with Andretti Autosport at Indy in 2014, and reiterated his interest in returning for this year's race. But while he is confident that he could pull together the backing necessary to get a deal over the line, he admits that he's less optimistic about finding a car that will allow him to run at the front.

"It [the Indy 500] is on the backburner," Busch told Autoweek. "That's especially true since it's the 100th running. There's a lot of sponsorship opportunities, be it Haas Automation, Chevrolet or Monster Energy.

"But for now, my focus is on Stewart Haas Racing, the No. 41 car and locking ourselves into the Chase as soon as possible this season. I've seen some [Indy 500] deals get put together as late as May 1. Mine didn't come together until March 31. There's time to do this, but my biggest concern is the lack of competitive rides still left."

Andretti Autosport's Michael Andretti has spoken several times of his interest in running an extra car for Busch in the future. The team has confirmed a three-car lineup for Ryan Hunter-Reay, Marco Andretti and Carlos Munoz for the upcoming IndyCar season, although it routinely fields additional entries at the 500.