Kyle Busch’s 2017 Indy 500 bid was a “done deal” with M&M’s sponsorship and manufacturer approval—until Joe Gibbs Racing vetoed it, altering the course of motorsports history.
In the wake of Kyle Busch’s tragic passing at 41, the motorsports world is reflecting on one of the most tantalizing “what-ifs” in racing history: his near-miss opportunity to compete in the Indianapolis 500. Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the most decorated drivers in stock car history, revealed in a 2025 appearance on Denny Hamlin’s Actions Detrimental podcast that he had a fully backed, signed, and sealed deal to race in the 2017 Indy 500—only for it to collapse at the last hurdle.
This wasn’t just a casual inquiry. Busch disclosed that M&M’s, his long-time sponsor, was prepared to fund the effort. Both Chevrolet and Toyota—rival manufacturers in NASCAR—had given their blessing. The only obstacle? Joe Gibbs Racing, Busch’s team at the time, ultimately blocked the move. “Guess who said no? Joe Gibbs,” Busch recounted, his frustration still palpable years later. The decision left a void that Kyle Larson would later fill, but for Busch, it was a missed chance to etch his name into the rare pantheon of drivers who’ve conquered both the Brickyard 400 and the Indy 500.
The Deal That Was—and Wasn’t
Busch’s revelation sheds light on the complex politics behind motorsports crossovers. According to his account, the 2017 plan was meticulously arranged. Sponsorship was secured, manufacturer support was in place, and even the logistics of fielding an IndyCar—typically a hurdle for NASCAR drivers—seemed surmountable. However, the sticking point came down to ownership of the chassis. Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, reportedly asked Busch’s camp to purchase the car outright, a request that puzzled sponsors accustomed to traditional sponsorship models. “The sponsor was like, why do I want to buy the car? I don’t want to buy the car. I want to sponsor Kyle,” Busch explained.
Hamlin, Busch’s former teammate and current rival, was visibly stunned by the details. The revelation that Busch had a deal “signed, sealed, and delivered” only for it to unravel behind closed doors underscored the arbitrary nature of such opportunities. Meanwhile, Larson—who had been in parallel negotiations with McLaren—secured a multi-year agreement, while Busch’s camp had only pursued a one-year commitment. “Then I found out Larson signed a two-year deal,” Busch said, the realization marking the end of his Indy 500 aspirations.
What It Meant for Busch—and Racing
Busch’s absence from the Indy 500 is more than a footnote; it’s a reminder of the barriers that often prevent NASCAR’s elite from testing their skills in open-wheel racing. Despite his dominance in stock cars—including back-to-back Brickyard 400 wins in 2015 and 2016—Busch never got the chance to tackle the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s iconic oval in an IndyCar. His 234 NASCAR national series wins, second only to Richard Petty’s 276, cement his legacy as one of the greatest to ever strap into a race car. Yet, the Indy 500 remained the one conquest that eluded him.
Larson, who eventually raced in the Indy 500 twice with Arrow McLaren, became the standard-bearer for NASCAR drivers crossing over. His success in both disciplines highlighted what might have been for Busch, whose aggressive style and adaptability could have made him a formidable Indy 500 contender. The missed opportunity also underscores the broader tension between team loyalty and personal ambition in motorsports. Gibbs’ decision, while likely made with the team’s best interests in mind, deprived fans of a potential historic moment.
The Fan Perspective: A Legacy of What-Ifs
For NASCAR fans, Busch’s near-miss Indy 500 bid is a poignant chapter in a career full of triumphs and near-misses. His ability to win in every major NASCAR series—Cup, Xfinity, and Truck—demonstrated a versatility that few drivers possess. The thought of Busch, with his relentless competitive fire, taking on the challenges of IndyCar adds another layer to his already storied legacy.
In the days following Busch’s passing, tributes have poured in from across the racing world, with many highlighting his fearless approach and unmatched work ethic. His wife, Samantha, shared a heartfelt five-word description that captured the essence of his impact: “My heart, my hero, my love.” Meanwhile, figures like Donald Trump have also paid tribute, underscoring Busch’s influence beyond the track .
The Indy 500 story, however, remains a bittersweet reminder of what could have been. Had Busch been given the green light, he might have joined the likes of Tony Stewart and Juan Pablo Montoya as drivers who’ve excelled in both NASCAR and IndyCar. Instead, it’s a cautionary tale about the fragility of opportunity in a sport where politics and logistics often dictate outcomes as much as talent and determination.
Why This Story Endures
The allure of the “double”—competing in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day—has long captivated motorsports fans. Busch’s near-miss adds to the lore of this ultimate challenge, which only a handful of drivers have attempted. His story also highlights the evolving relationship between NASCAR and IndyCar, two series that have historically operated in parallel but are increasingly seeing crossover appeal.
As the Indy 500 approaches this Sunday, Busch’s legacy looms large. His absence from the race is a reminder of the fine margins that separate triumph from heartbreak in motorsports. For fans, it’s a chance to celebrate a driver who gave everything to the sport—and to wonder, once again, what might have been.
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