Kurt Busch uncertain about returning to Stewart-Haas Racing, says he has options for 2018

Kurt Busch is confident he’ll be competing in the Cup Series next season, though the former champion is less sure if he’ll continue with Stewart-Haas Racing, which elected not to exercise the 2018 option in Busch’s contract earlier in the week.

Busch joined SHR in 2014, winning five races and qualifying for the playoffs each season. But the team co-owned by Tony Stewart and Gene Haas chose not to pick up the option in Busch’s contract by Tuesday’s deadline as it determines whether Monster Energy will continue to sponsor Busch’s No. 41 car.

“They chose not to pick up my option, but I see it as good options for me,” Busch told reporters Saturday at Watkins Glen, via ESPN.com. “I’m not too worried about it. I feel like there’s more options out there than what exist here.

“The phone didn’t stop ringing all week and not just because it was my birthday.”

SHR’s decision makes Busch a free agent, and with openings already announced at Furniture Row Racing and Richard Childress Racing, the 2004 Cup champion expects to be in demand. He could also return to SHR if the two sides can come to terms on a new contract.

The team tweeted Tuesday it expects Busch to remain with the organization. SHR also fields Fords for Clint Bowyer, Kevin Harvick, and Danica Patrick, though there is uncertainty regarding Patrick’s status as her No. 10 team also lacks sponsorship.

“I’m looking for the best possible option to race a competitive car that has a chance to win races, win poles and compete for a championship,” Busch said. “There are different cars that are options for me, and Stewart-Haas is one of them.

“There is no stress whatsoever,” Busch said. “There’s plenty of time for all options to unfold. There are a couple of offers already, so we will see how things work out.”

Busch, who turned 39 Friday, won the 2017 season-opening Daytona 500 and sits 14th in the points standings. In his 17-year career, he’s won 29 Cup races, captured the 2004 series title, and made the postseason eight times in the past nine seasons

Busch said he wasn’t concerned about having his future plans unsolidified but could be a distraction for his team as it ramps up for the postseason. Five regular season races remain before the 16-driver playoffs begin Sept. 17 at Chicagoland Speedway.

“The disruption of them not picking up my option [is] it gets the crew guys all flustered [and] Ford is very surprised by it,” Busch said. “We’ve just got to stay focused and stay sharp. There’s no reason to not think I couldn’t be back here. It’s a matter of making it all work out. I’m not too worried about it.”