Denver, CO – Kurt Busch will leave Phoenix Racing at the end of this season and join Furniture Row Racing for 2013.
Busch, the 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion, will replace Regan Smith in the No. 78 Chevrolet.
"Though we have made strides as a resourceful single-car Sprint Cup team, we are not where we want to be, which led us to the difficult decision of making a driver change as we move forward," said Furniture Row Racing's general manager Joe Garone. "Kurt's exceptional driving talent has the capacity to take a team to another level. We look forward to having Kurt join our Denver- based organization and feel his racing experience will play an important role as we plan ahead to 2013."
The 34-year-old Busch has been a full time driver in the Sprint Cup Series since 2001, recording 24 wins, 89 top-fives, 171 top-10s and 15 poles during that span.
Busch has driven the No. 51 Chevrolet for Phoenix Racing this season. He is 25th in the points standings and has only one top-five finish this year.
"Furniture Row Racing has the commitment, talent and resources to compete at a high level in the Sprint Cup Series," said Busch. "I have watched with admiration on how this team has grown over the years and that is why I am excited about the opportunity as I eagerly look forward to a new chapter in my racing career."
Busch's previous two teams in the Sprint Cup Series were at Penske Racing and Roush Fenway Racing.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.