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Daytona 500 champ Kurt Busch confident he’ll be back with Stewart-Haas Racing next year

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Clint Bowyer and Kurt Busch talk about heading back to Daytona for the always unpredictable Coke Zero 400.

Defending Daytona 500 winner Kurt Busch says he believes Stewart-Haas Racing will pick up the option on his contract for next season although that has yet to be done.

There are some questions about Busch’s status because sponsor Monster Energy has not announced if it will be back on the No. 41 Ford next season.

“I don’t have any worries,’’ Busch said Thursday at Daytona International Speedway. “I know that I deliver for the team. Our performance level is one that shouldn’t be in question, winning the Daytona 500 is special, but performing week in and week out, the deliverables that I bring sponsorship-wise that comes into play.

“I know that they’re working with NASCAR, Monster Energy is trying to sort out issues with NASCAR ... so there are a lot of moving parts, but I don’t feel any fear whatsoever. I actually feel very confident in the sponsorship that I bring, Ford Performance’s involvement with Stewart-Haas and how I’ve blended in with this team. I feel great.’’

Busch said he’s awaiting to hear from the team about if they will pick up his option but said “I feel like they will … I feel very confident in how things will come together.’’

Busch has eight top-10 finishes in 16 starts this season. He has led six laps this season. He led only the last lap in the Daytona 500, taking the lead when Kyle Larson ran out of fuel.

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