In a revealing podcast appearance, NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch opened up about the 2015 crash at Daytona International Speedway that left him with serious leg injuries.
The 40-year-old shared detailed memories from the violent impact during an interview on FOX News Media’s “Hang Out with Sean Hannity.”
For NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch, the moment remains one of the most defining points of his career. The conversation covered rivalries and career milestones, but the Daytona incident stood at the center. NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch described how the crash unfolded inside the car and how quickly the situation turned critical.
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch Explains What Went Wrong in the Crash
Kyle Busch described how the impact caused internal parts of the car to shift, creating a dangerous chain reaction.
“So when I hit the wall, and everything was crunching and coming back to me, the throttle pedal—we always had a throttle stop… but there was something on the floorboard,” Busch said.
He explained how the engine movement led directly to his injury.
“When the engine compressed back and hit that throttle stop, it came back so far that it hit my gas pedal while I was off the gas pedal. It hit the gas pedal so fast and so hard that my foot was resting right next to it—it smacked my leg and broke my leg.”
The crash resulted in a double compound fracture of his right leg and a Lisfranc injury in his left foot. The force of the impact and resulting damage made it one of the most serious injuries in his career.
Escape Became a Struggle after the Impact
After the car came to a stop, Busch tried to get out quickly but realized the extent of his injuries.
“I already knew my right leg, because I felt it, it was just dangling, like there’s nothing there,” he said.
He then attempted to push himself up using his left foot.
“And so I go to push with my left foot, and I’m like, ah, okay, my left foot’s broken too. So I basically had to pull myself up and out of the seat with just my arms.”
Despite the pain, he managed to unbuckle and move toward the window. Safety workers arrived shortly after and assisted him out of the car.
“I was telling the guy, ‘Hey, my legs are broke.’ And he’s like, ‘What?’ And I’m like, ‘My legs are broke.’ And he goes—so then he was like, ‘Okay, we’re gonna need more help here.’”
He was then lowered to the ground and taken for emergency medical treatment.
Recovery and Return to Competition
The injuries forced NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch to miss several races while he underwent surgery and rehabilitation. His recovery took months, but he returned later that same season.
He went on to win the championship in 2015 and added another title in 2019. His comeback remains one of the most notable returns in the sport.
During the interview, Busch also spoke about rivalries with drivers such as Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, and Brad Keselowski, highlighting the competitive nature of racing at the highest level.
The Daytona crash continues to stand out in his career. It highlights both the risks involved and the level of recovery needed to return to competition.
NASCAR Cup Series Driver Kyle Busch Revisits Crash That Nearly Ended His Career