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Kurt Busch says he is working on a deal to remain at Stewart-Haas Racing for the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series, despite being told it would not renew his contract.
The 2004 champion was informed that his deal would finish at the end of 2017 by SHR in August, with the decision said to have surprised Ford.
Busch has since looked into alternative drives, with a move by minnows Leavine Racing known to have failed and the team recruiting Kasey Kahne for 2018.
Busch says he has yet to find an offer that matches SHR’s quality and that he is working on staying with the team.
“My best chance to win races, to win championships is to be with Stewart-Haas Racing,” he said.
“I’ve talked with other owners and the offers were about the same from other teams, but the offers weren’t the same as far as the level of car.
“And to work with Doug Yates [engine builder] and Ford and all the individuals that I’ve grown around and felt comfortable with at SHR, that’s not available at other teams.
“We’ll see how it all plays out, I’m not too worried about it.”
Busch says he’s confident a deal can be reached and that he’s turned his attention to having a better 2018 season, having only won one race in ’17 and exiting the playoffs early on.
“It’s all a work in progress,” he said. “Monster has stood by my side and Ford has been supportive. I like the way the two sides are coming together.
“My focus has been more about the people and personnel and how we’re going to make this work to be more successful next year.
“Winning Daytona was great, but we want more.”
SHR also released Danica Patrick and she has since announced her retirement from racing following her last two races at the Daytona 500 and IndyCar’s Indianapolis 500 in 2018, although she has yet to sign with a team for either race.
Aric Almirola has replaced her at SHR for 2018, moving across from Richard Petty Motorsports.