Furniture Row Racing's response regarding Kurt Busch's decision

   Joe Garone, general manager of Furniture Row Racing in regards to Kurt Busch's decision not to continue as the driver of the No. 78 Furniture Row Chevrolet after the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.

   “It was always our intention to extend Kurt's contract with Furniture Row Racing. We made him an offer last week to to continue as the driver of the No. 78 Furniture Row Chevrolet in 2014 and beyond. Though he did not accept our offer we respect his decision and wish him future success. His driving skill and being a dedicated team player will always be appreciated at Furniture Row Racing. But for right now the main focus for Kurt and the team is to qualify for the Chase and contend for the 2013 Sprint Cup Series championship.

   “Furniture Row Racing’s technical and engineering programs along with a talented road crew have made great strides this season, which have been evident with the consistently fast race cars that we have brought to the track week in and week out. We, along with our technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing, are deeply committed to continuing the work in progress. We are currently in a search process for a new driver in 2014, one who shares the same commitment and winning attitude that we all do at Furniture Row Racing.”

Kurt Busch to join Stewart-Haas Racing in 2014

   As expected, former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Kurt Busch will join Stewart-Haas Racing next season to drive a fourth car and become teammates with Tony Stewart, Danica Patrick and Kevin Harvick.

   Busch confirmed the signing of a multi-year deal with several reporters on Monday. An official announcement with team co-owner Gene Haas - the man behind the decision - is set for 2 p.m. Tuesday at SHR headquarters in Kannapolis, N.C.

   Sources say SHR is attempting to obtain the No. 00 for Busch to use beginning next season in the Sprint Cup Series.