By: Zach Catanzareti, Staff Writer
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – One of the major chess pieces for the 2019 season was Kurt Busch, the 2004 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion who jumped ships to Chip Ganassi Racing following five years at Stewart-Haas Racing.
Replacing Jamie McMurray in the No. 1 Chevrolet, Busch will pair Kyle Larson in the season to come.
And though the two share the reputation of being hard-nosed, all-around racers, the relationship will legitimately begin in 2019.
“I honestly never have talked to Kurt before. Here and there maybe throughout the year,” Larson said Wednesday during Daytona 500 Media Day. “Everybody who I have talked to who have been teammates with him in the past has always said, as crazy as he is, is a great teammate.”
Beginning his 19th full Cup season in 2019, the elder Busch brother brings countless miles and 39 national wins to the table. Larson knows this experience will pay dividends for both himself, CGR and Chevrolet
“He’s been good to work with so far,” he said. “He’s got a ton of knowledge and experience. I’ve enjoyed it and I really look forward to going to other tracks outside Daytona to learn more off each other. It’s not often you get to work with a past champion as closely as I will this year. I’m very excited about that opportunity.”
Though racing styles are comparable with Busch and Larson, their personality traits are near polar opposites. Larson, a warm-hearted cool customer. Busch, an intense witty character of the garage.
With five years of Cup racing under his belt, Larson doesn’t believe Busch will change him in that regard.
“Personality-wise, I think I’ll stay the same,” he said. “With work ethic, he can push you to be better. I’m excited in that aspect of things.
“We’re around a lot of different people all the time and I feel I do a good job and staying grounded and being who I am. I don’t think I’m going to have any episodes like he’s had in the past now that he’s my teammate.”