Kurt Busch confirms Ganassi move for 2019

Chip Ganassi Racing and Kurt Busch have confirmed that Busch will join the program beginning next season.

Busch, the 2004 NASCAR Cup Series champion, will drive the No. 1 Chevrolet as he moves over from Stewart-Haas Racing. Busch will replace Jamie McMurray, who has driven the car since 2010. Monster Energy will continue to be Busch’s primary sponsor.

“I am tremendously proud to be joining Chip Ganassi Racing and the prestigious group of alumni,” said Busch. “Ganassi’s forward-thinking approach is why I have decided to commit all my years of Monster Energy Cup experience to CGR. Let’s win, let’s have fun!”

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Talk of the move started back in August. Team owner Chip Ganassi then confirmed to the Associated Press in September that he had offered McMurray a ride for the season-opening Daytona 500, but wanted McMurray to move into a leadership role outside of the cockpit after that.

Ganassi will be the sixth team that Busch has competed for in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. He began his full-time Cup career in 2001 with Jack Roush, and won the 2004 championship in the inaugural year of the playoff format. His 30 career wins include victories at the Daytona 500 and the Coca Cola 600.

“We have had the good fortune of having a lot of great drivers here at Chip Ganassi Racing across all forms of racing, and Kurt Busch adds to that list of great drivers,” said team owner Chip Ganassi. “He is a former NASCAR Cup Series champion and Daytona 500 winner, and I believe still has a burning desire to win races and compete for a championship. In addition, getting to work with and represent a brand like Monster Energy makes it even that much more exciting.”