Kurt Busch

Busch grew up around racing with his father, Tom, and graduated from Durango High School. His route to NASCAR’s highest level passed through regional competition: rookie-of-the-year honors on the Southwest Tour in 1998, followed by that series’ championship in 1999.

He entered the Cup Series with Jack Roush and won the 2004 championship under the new Chase format. His 2017 Daytona 500 victory added another major achievement. Together with younger brother Kyle, he illustrates why the Speedway’s story includes more than visiting national teams: the Valley’s tracks and racing families also developed drivers who won at the top level.