How do you define a comeback? How do you charge it inside the engine? How is it felt in the arms and legs of all crew and pit attendants? Is it championed and cherished on the front of the stock car preparing for another race? Can it shift to a higher gear that can escape the shadow of the criticisms, the YouTube viral videos, the voices saying you’re never going to be what you were in 2004? Can it get back into Sprint Cup on a lesser-team behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Impala? That’s the challenge Kurt Busch faces with his new stock car next season. Claiming he’s a bettered-man, he’s going to bounce back and take his talents to the track at the fullest. With a new lease on life, the rebirth of Kurt Busch will be proven through a team name synonymous with the situation: Phoenix.

Phoenix Racing has picked up Kurt Busch believing he has the willpower to tap back into that potential. After messy fallouts with the Penske and Roush-Fenway stock car racing teams, Busch believes that neither team really lived up to their own potential. So with Phoenix, headed by James Finch, Busch joins a close-knit crew that loves to have a good time, loves to win, and will spend whatever it takes for his new star. The best part about Phoenix Racing is the benefit of an alliance with Hendrick Motorsports, meaning they get their cars and motors. Add that to the fact that Kurt’s the top dog of the team and you’ve got yourself some instant chemistry.

And the pressure is far from possible with Phoenix Racing. Under the new team, Busch isn’t on anyone’s preseason picks to make the chase. Even winning single race or finding good placing seems to be a long shot. But if Kurt Busch didn’t believe deep inside he didn’t have a chance, he wouldn’t strap on those gloves, put on his helmet and press down on the pedal. The pit crew wouldn’t stand passionately awaiting their turn to get Busch back on the road. Kurt Busch brought about his own downfall, but it was his talent that brought him up for the first place. Nothing is promised, but there is no victory more sacred than pulling off the ultimate surprises.