Kyle Busch Tests Late Model Appears To Be Nearing Return

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Team owner Joe Gibbs confirmed to Motorsport.com that Busch tested a Late Model last week, though Gibbs couldn’t recall where that occurred.

“We have a program for him and we’re moving forward with everything — and that was part of it,” Gibbs said Sunday at Talladega.

Motorsport.com reported Busch was expected to participate in Saturday’s CARS Tour event at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway, but apparently that was a bit premature.

Still, there have been other signs pointing toward an imminent return: Last week, David Ragan, who has spent the season driving Busch’s No. 18 Toyota, was tabbed to replace Brian Vickers in the No. 55 car for the rest of the season. Joe Gibbs Racing then named Erik Jones to drive the 18 for this weekend’s race in Kansas with no commitment beyond that.

Next up on the Sprint Cup schedule is the two-week residency at Charlotte Motor Speedway, featuring the All-Star race and the Coca-Cola 600.