CONFIRMED: Busch Signs Contract Extension With JGR

Kyle re-ups with JGR

Joe Gibbs Racing confirmed today what GodfatherMotorsports.com first reported on Jan. 14, that Kyle Busch has signed  a long-term contract extension with the team. In addition, JGR will field the No. 54 Monster Energy Toyota in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2013 with Busch serving as the primary driver.

While specifics of the deal were not revealed, multiple sources say the extension will keep Busch in JGR equipment through the 2017 season.

“I’m passionate about winning and that was a big factor in deciding to re-sign with Joe Gibbs Racing,” said Busch. “I think JGR gives me the best opportunity to win a championship in the Cup Series for M&M's and Interstate Batteries. I know that everyone on our team is committed to that goal and will push toward making that a reality in 2013. I’m also looking forward to the opportunity to work with Adam Stevens in the Nationwide Series and put Monster Energy in Victory Lane where they belong.”

“I’m extremely proud of what we have accomplished in a short period of time at KBM in both the Camping World Truck Series and Nationwide Series. When we started KBM our attention was to build something for the long term and now we are going to put a greater focus on our future with Parker (Kligerman) competing in Nationwide and Joey (Coulter) running trucks.”

JGR will now field the No. 54 Camry

The No. 54 Monster Energy Toyota will run a full season schedule for JGR with crew chief Adam Stevens calling the shots from atop the pit box. Busch is currently scheduled to drive the majority of the races in 2013. Additional drivers for the 54 team will be announced soon.

“This is a big deal for us,” said JGR President J.D. Gibbs. “It’s no secret that you have to have great drivers to win in NASCAR and in the past year we’ve been able to secure long-term deals with Kyle and Denny and of course we were able to add Matt as well. Kyle is a big part of our success at JGR and we’re thrilled to know he will be with us for a long time.”

Busch told reporters today that he had serious offers from two top-tier NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams to leave the Gibbs operation, but chose to remain with the team that brought him much of his success. Since joining JGR prior to the 2008 season, Busch and JGR have enjoyed tremendous success together, collecting 20 wins in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. While driving in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for JGR from 2008-2011, Busch visited Victory Lane 40 times and passed Mark Martin in career wins for the series, with 51.