Official: Kurt Busch Moves to #78 Next Season

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It was announced today that Kurt Busch, the driver of the #51 Phoenix Racing Chevrolet, will be moving to the Furniture Row Racing #78 for 2013.

After departing Penske Racing following the 2011 season, the 2004 champion joined Phoenix Racing because... well it was the only team willing to hire him without sponsorship. For those not familiar with Busch's antics, he lost his ride last season after two incidents with reporters following races at Richmond (where he tore up a reporter's script) and Homestead (where he cussed out a reporter). Earlier this season, Busch was suspended for the first Pocono race after berating a reporter the week before.

What does this mean for Phoenix Racing: According to Phoenix Racing's James Finch, the team is unlikely to return next year unless it can lock down a sponsorship. This likely means the end of Finch's time in NASCAR.

What does this mean for Regan Smith: Optimistic that he would return for next season, the 2011 Southern 500 winner does not think he will be back with the team. Busch is replacing him but the idea of a second car is not completely ruled out (i.e. it will not happen).

With the support of Richard Childress Racing behind FRR, maybe Busch might be able to accomplish something he couldn't with Hendrick technology (Hendrick backs Phoenix Racing), win a race or crack the top 20 in points. Although you don't exactly see RCR dominating the Chase right now...

Guess we'll have to wait until next season to find out.