BROOKLYN, Mich. — Kyle Busch was officially introduced Aug. 14 as the driver of the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18.
“I’m looking forward to driving the 18,” Busch said. “I’m looking forward to getting out there in 2008, trying to win some races, contend for some championships.
“Hopefully I’ll be here for the rest of my career. It’s definitely something that’s been worthwhile, been waiting for, been trying to decide on. But it was an easy decision when looking at all the prospects and looking at all the decision-making properties that basically had to all sit down and put in front of you. I’m really looking forward to 2008, hopefully being able to build a strong bond with Joe Gibbs Racing, and being able to contend for championships.”
Before that happens, however, Busch still has some unfinished business to tend to at Hendrick Motorsports.
He is currently eighth in points and wants to clinch a berth in the 10-race “Chase for the Championship.”
“If we come out of this weekend with a strong run and, unfortunately for a couple of other guys, they have trouble then I think hopefully we can put ourselves in the Chase through just starting the last three races,” Busch said. “I think we’re pretty good right now — we’re not as good as we want to be — but with four more races to go we’ve got a legitimate shot of climbing up to fifth in points. If we can do that, it would be pretty cool.”
Busch admitted he strongly considered moving to DEI for next season but ultimately chose JGR, which has won two Cup titles with Stewart in 2002 and 2005 and with Bobby Labonte in 2000.
“DEI, there was the opportunity to go there,” Busch said. “I felt very strongly about DEI as well as here at Joe Gibbs Racing. What set me apart, honestly, they were so similar, it was really a hard decision. That’s what it came down to in the end, DEI and here.
“With the support from Joe and J.D. Gibbs, I just felt maybe a little bit more at home. But DEI’s got a great reputation over there, too. They’ve been coming on real strong here in the middle part of the season. Competition was definitely a tough side to look at. But I feel like in the end, it’s the right decision.”