JGR signs Kyle Busch to long-term deal

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) - Joe Gibbs Racing has signed Kyle Busch to a long-term contract extension that ensures he won't be distracted this season with negotiations on a new deal.

Busch was entering the final season of a three-year deal with JGR. Terms were not disclosed.

It was going to be a pivotal year for the driver, who had tremendous success in his 2008 debut with Gibbs but dropped off considerably last year. He failed to make the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship, and his crew chief was fired with three races left.

Busch is trying to return to championship form this year, while also entering ownership with a new Truck Series team.