Kyle Busch reacts to shock NASCAR exit

Two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has spoken out for the first time following a shock NASCAR exit.

Earlier this month, NASCAR announced that commissioner Steve Phelps would be stepping back from his role having made the 'personal decision' to do so. The 63-year-old has since slowly been transitioning out of the sport, and he is set to cut all ties by the end of the month.

Phelps' resignation comes less than a month after the conclusion of the NASCAR versus 23XI and Front Row antitrust trial, during which several leaked text messages and emails from executives, including Phelps, were revealed.

For example, in one exchange, Phelps labelled legendary team owner Richard Childress as a 'stupid redneck' who needed to be 'taken out back and flogged'.

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Kyle Busch on Steve Phelps' exit

NASCAR Cup Series cars took to the track for the first time since Phelps' exit was confirmed this week, and naturally, his exit came up when certain drivers spoke to the media.

Busch has never been shy to share his opinion on current affairs within the sport, and that didn't change when asked for his verdict on Phelps' resignation.

“I don't know the ins and outs of all of what Phelps did but just through some of the rumblings, his ability of being able to talk amongst all of the key partners, the OEMs and the league personnel below him, and of course, then the teams and the owners and things like that, TV people, radio people, handling all of the businesses and getting all media rights things the way that he did, he was very charismatic," Busch told a media srum, including Peter Stratta.

“Who does that now is probably a tough spot. But we’ll see what happens with that.

“I’d put [former NASCAR President Mike] Helton back in if it were me.”

Busch on Steve O'Donnell

Despite Busch's desire, NASCAR confirmed that there would be no new leadership additions despite Phelps' exit due to the 'exceptional' leadership team that is already in place. Indeed, they say that NASCAR's strategic vision will continue to be executed without needing to add any personnel.

With Phelps gone, it seems likely that current NASCAR President Steve O'Donnell will be a more prominent and public-facing figure. Indeed, he was the man on stage when the sport announced its return to The Chase last week.

Sharing his thoughts on the NASCAR President, Busch added: “I don't mind Steve O'Donnell. I gotta say last names.

"I like O'Donnell, but there’s shoes to fill and whether he’s that guy, more power to it.”