Had longtime sponsor Mars Inc. and its M&Ms brand decided to continue its NASCAR backing rather than leave the series following this season, the final years of Busch’s Cup Series career would have likely played out as the past 15: driving the No. 18 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Certainly, there was the likelihood of many more victories to come – and perhaps championships – as part of an already Hall of Fame-worthy career, featuring the 2015 and 2019 crowns.
