Las Vegas Native Kurt Busch Formally Retires From NASCAR

Seasoned NASCAR driver, and Las Vegas native Kurt Busch has bid farewell to his Cup Series racing career.

The setting couldn't have been more poignant -- Kurt chose the same stage where he celebrated one of his most iconic victories. The Daytona International Speedway witnessed an emotional farewell from Busch, as he announced his retirement. At 45-years-old, the 2004 series champion and 2017 Daytona 500 winner made this decision primarily due to the lingering effects of a significant concussion he sustained a year ago, which continued to impact his ability to race, according to Auto Week.

With a hint of emotion and determination, Busch expressed, “My body is just having a battle with Father Time." He shared his struggles with conditions like arthritis and gout, which made everyday tasks like walking a challenge, according to an article by The Associated Press. His decision to retire is also informed by the necessary physical therapy and workouts he's been pushing through. The echoes of fellow drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon, who retired due to physical concerns, resound as Busch joins their ranks.

The announcement was met with a mix of feelings from NASCAR executives, drivers, and fans, including his younger brother Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion. Kurt Busch's concussion, sustained during a qualifying crash at Pocono Raceway, had caused profound changes in his life. The incident also raised concerns about the safety of the Next Gen cars, leading NASCAR to make car adjustments to mitigate rear-impact collisions, Autoweek reports.

Despite the challenges, Busch remains optimistic about his recovery and eventual return to racing, although he doesn't foresee a comeback in NASCAR's premier series. He acknowledges that competing at the highest level demands exceptional focus and determination, something he currently can't provide consistently. While his timeline remains uncertain, Busch is determined to regain doctor approval and explore opportunities in different motorsports categories, perhaps working with various teams and sponsors for other races, NASCAR reports.

Busch's storied career, encompassing 34 victories over 776 starts spanning 23 years in the Cup Series, has etched his legacy in the NASCAR world.

A typical Super Bowl Sunday in Las Vegas is already pretty busy. Fans from all around the country descend upon the Strip to bet, watch and drink. This year, things are getting much, much bigger.

On Wednesday, the National Football League and the Las Vegas Super Bowl LVIII Host Committee descended upon Vu Las Vegas to unveil a 'super' week of events that'll keep fans busy!

The Super Bowl host city transforms for the Big Game! From concerts to foodie events, meet and greets and fan experiences, the week leading up to the Super Bowl is a dream for football fans! Celebrities are swarming around, media from around the world is at every corner.

This is where Las Vegas is bound to shine. While other cities have to build experiences, Las Vegas is an experience. So some favorites in town are going to transform into NFL-themed havens.

“Super Bowl LVIII will mark an historic achievement for the city of Las Vegas," said Sam Joffray, the President & CEO of the Las Vegas Super Bowl LVIII Host Committee. “Las Vegas is renowned for its entertainment and hospitality, and we are grateful to our community partners and elected officials for their support and collaboration in planning these monumental events. Together, we look forward to welcoming fans to the city for what will be an unforgettable week."

There is no question this is a moment that the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has been daydreaming about for years. A decade ago, the city was dead to rights with the league. Today, hosting the biggest sporting event in the country.

So if you're looking for the list of events, behold! We have them straight from the horse's mouth at the NFL! Take a look!

If you can't afford the thousands of dollars it'll cost to get in for the Big Game, you can at least sniff the air the two best teams in the league will breathe. Super Bowl players and coaches will have their media day, you'll get a look at how they've dolled up the stadium and there'll be plenty of merch and photo ops. Tickets start at $30 in December at SuperBowl.com.

And don't sleep on the media day mess! It's a madhouse and some funny moments come from it every year! Take a look at the video!

The perfect experience for the kiddos and the kid in you. It's like a football theme park! Meet NFL legends, get pictures and autographs, play interactive games and attend youth football clinics. You can even get a picture with the crown jewel, the Vince Lombardi trophy! See all the Super Bowl rings and more! Take a look above at last year's experience!

Tickets start at $25 on Wednesday and climb up to $50 on Friday and Saturday. Thankfully kids 12 and under are free. Best part of all, on Thursday there will be a special Sensory Hour for those who need an environment with less noise and flash. Great idea.

You can score your tickets at SuperBowl.com.

Since 1989, the league has brought football and music together for one night. It's a big anniversary for the event when it takes place at Pearl at The Palms. Tickets go on sale December 1st at SuperBowlSoulful.com.

Taking place at the NFL's home base for the big week, Super Bowl Breakfast brings some of the sport's biggest stars. Fans and legends alike will dine, watch the Bart Starr Award be handed out and more. Tickets soon at SuperBowlBreakfast.com.

We are liking this food theme. This 21+ event is hosted by some culinary giants like Andrew Zimmern, Carla Hall and more. A delicious tasting menu, paired with appearances from several NFL stars. Plus it is raising funds for charity! VIP tickets at TasteOfTheNFL.com.

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