Kevin Harvick overtakes Kurt Busch in history list

Getty

Kevin Harvick (right) will overtake Kurt Busch in the all-time starting list.

23XI Racing’s Kurt Busch will miss his third consecutive Cup Series race as he continues to focus on recovering from concussion-like symptoms during a crash during qualifying at Pocono Raceway. Ty Gibbs will replace him in the number 45 Toyota Camry while Kevin Harvick breaks their relationship on the history list.

Busch and Harvick entered the race weekend tied for 11th on the all-time starting list. They each matched 776 Cup Series races, eight fewer than Michael Waltrip. Harvick will start his 777th at the Michigan International Freeway on August 7, bringing him once closer to Waltrip’s landmark.

Busch actually started the season with two more career starts than his fellow champion. He entered the season with 756 while Harvick had 754. The Stewart-Haas Racing driver had a relationship with Busch after races at the Pocono Raceway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Now he will own only 11th place on the leaderboard.

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Some things are more important to Busch

There are more startups that offer some unique bragging rights, but this metric is ultimately less important. What is really important is that Busch needs time to focus on his health and regain full strength instead of trying to rush back.

Busch has recently begun showcasing his recovery. He explains in a video that his vision and hearing were not yet 100% and that the doctors wanted him to go to a noisy place that did not require physical activity. His solution was to attend a Charlotte FC match.

Busch also spent some time at the Toyota Performance Center. The manufacturer has built a massive facility with the best equipment to help drivers practice while behind the wheel. They build the body and work on reflexes and hand-eye coordination.

Both drivers should pass the walk by 2022

Getty(LR) Kurt Busch, Ryan Newman and Kevin Harvick all have over 700 startups.

While Busch remains out of action for another week, he should be able to return in the coming weeks. He will be chasing a spot in the championship four as both he and Harvick move closer to a major achievement.

Two drivers will finish the season within 800 starts. Harvick will be in 790th starting at the end of the season while Busch’s numbers will depend on when he returns to the No. 45 Toyota Camry TRD. If he goes back in time for the trip on May 14th. 8 to Richmond Raceway, he will finish the season with 789 starts.

Both Busch and Harvick should get past Waltrip before the end of the season, which should give them the speed to join an elite group. Only nine drivers have started the 800 Cup Series. Jeff Gordon is 9th with 805 while Darrell Waltrip is 8th with 809.

The history list includes Bill Elliott (828), Kyle Petty (829), Mark Martin (882), Dave Marcis (883), Terry Labonte (890) and Ricky Rudd (906). The king, Richard Petty, is undefeated with 1,184 starting matches in his career.

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