NASCAR driver Kurt Busch has ruled out racing in the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 and having a second attempt at completing 'The Double' on May 29.
In 2014, Busch became the fourth driver in racing history to try and complete 'The Double' that sees drivers race in both the Indy 500 and the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 race in Charlotte.
Busch finished sixth in the Indy 500 for Andretti Autosport, but fell 30 laps short of completing all 1,100 miles of running for the day when his engine failed late on at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Busch had been linked with another shot at 'The Double' in 2016, but confirmed on Wednesday that he would not be returning to Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the 500's 100th running.
"After seriously contemplating making another run at “The Double”, and in response to the many questions I receive on the subject as the Month of May approaches, I wanted to state that I will not be participating in this year’s 100th running of the Indianapolis 500,” Busch wrote on his website.
“I must say this was not an easy decision and it does not in any way reflect upon my desire to compete again in one of the world’s greatest races; it is based solely on a need to maintain the focus and momentum we have built early in this NASCAR season with our #41 Stewart-Haas Racing, Haas Automation/Monster Energy Chevy team – hopefully all the way to Homestead and the championship weekend.
“My experience with Andretti Autosport and its drivers was so very positive and the way in which the IndyCar fans and media welcomed me, it is undoubtedly one of the highlights of my career both personally and professionally.
"Fortunately, Michael [Andretti] and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway have left the door open for a future run, and perhaps one day I will take them up on that, it just won’t be this year."
