Monster Energy Unveils Cinematic Racing Video "Shifting Gears" Featuring Kurt Busch

KEY WEST, Fla., Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Not your average NASCAR video! Prepare to see highspeed racing action like never before in the latest Monster Energy NASCAR video starring Kurt Busch. Watch the 42-year-old NASCAR icon from Las Vegas, Nevada, in the brand-new "Shifting Gears" release, live now on Monster Energy's YouTube channel. The video drop coincides with Busch's return to the iconic Daytona 500 on February 14, twenty years after his debut as a young rookie.

The high-definition video was shot on location in Key West, Florida. At a run time of 9:18 minutes, the "Shifting Gears" video packs a potent blend of visual stimuli: Speed runs down coastal highways at 200 mph, flashbacks of Busch's NASCAR career highlights, helicopter chases and cameos featuring certified icons from the realms of auto racing, Harley-Davidson stunt riding, and freestyle motocross.

"It's all about the fun aspect of doing something different in the world of NASCAR with our NASCAR car. We didn't want to do a racetrack. We didn't want to do things that you've already seen before," said Busch about the concept behind the new "Shifting Gears" video.

Buckle up, because this one's coming at you fast! On the eve of the 2021 Daytona 500 race, "Shifting Gears" released to global audiences and is available to view across Monster Energy's social media channels. Viewers can now go online and watch the high-definition video on YouTube here.

Prepare for high-speed race action across scenic miles of coastal highway and iconic bridges from Marathon, Florida, all the way down to Key West. Also look forward to high-octane cameos from Monster Energy athletes Axell Hodges and Taka Higashino (motocross), the Unknown Industries crew of Harley-Davidson riders and rapper Vanilla Ice.

"We wanted to really create the imagery and the cinematography that the Keys provide within the video. That turquoise water, the openness of the bridges, the road trip with the wind in your hair and that feel of just being out on the open road." said Busch about the project, adding: "We wanted to feature motocross freestyle and the Harley guys. I do follow motorsports everywhere, and it is just a blast to blend in my world with them."

The release of "Shifting Gears" is a personal milestone for Busch in his storied NASCAR career: The video drops exactly 20 years after Busch made his debut in the legendary 500-mile race as a promising young rookie in front of over 17 million viewers on national TV in 2001.

"It's hard to believe that it's been 20 years! You know, I still feel the same fire and desire. The willingness to do whatever it takes to win is there. And it comes with more experience now," said Busch looking back at his NASCAR record.

Milestones of Busch's NASCAR career also feature as visual flashbacks in the "Shifting Gears" video. Known as one of NASCAR's most prominent ambassadors, Busch has built a NASCAR record that includes wins in all three of NASCAR's top divisions: The Cup Series, the Xfinity Series, and the Camping World Truck Series. Plus, arguably the biggest win of his career at the Daytona 500 in 2017.

Asked about returning to the Daytona International Speedway in 2021, Busch said: "I feel honored, privileged and I am enjoying this opportunity this late in my career. It's been four years since I won there, but all of it gives me that fuel and the desire to win it!"

For a look back at Busch's career highlights – and some of the most cinematic NASCAR racing action ever caught on video – viewers can now go online and watch "Shifting Gears", live on YouTube in full HD.

"I enjoyed making this video. This reflection through the Keys and driving and experiencing my Monster Energy NASCAR car out on the open road. That has never been done before and it took all of that teamwork. It took the trust and belief in everybody," said Busch about the release of "Shifting Gears".

See the results of all the hard work on YouTube and also make sure to read the background story behind the making of "Shifting Gears" on the Monster Energy website, featuring exclusive commentary from Busch himself.

Also visit www.monsterenergy.com and follow Monster Energy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter for exclusive updates, as well as Kurt Busch and our team of NASCAR athletes.

About Monster Energy

Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it's the way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at www.monsterenergy.com.

Kurt Busch bio

In 2019 Kurt Busch made the move to Chip Ganassi Racing to become the driver of the No. 1 Monster Energy Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS). During his racing career, Busch has more than 700 starts in NASCAR's top three divisions: NCS, NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) and the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series (NGROTS). 

2021 is the 22nd season of NCS competition for the 2004 Series Champion. To date, he has more than 700 career starts in the NCS. Busch has made 13 appearances in the NASCAR Playoffs including six consecutive appearances, having finished the 2018 campaign seventh in the series final standings. 

In addition to being the 2004 NCS Champion, he also has marquee wins in the NASCAR All-Star race, Coca-Cola 600 (2010) and the Daytona 500 (2017). He has also won championships in the International Race of Champions (2003) and the NASCAR Southwest Series (1999). Outside of his NASCAR successes, Busch has also made two starts in the Rolex 24 At Daytona (2005, 2008) and one start in the Indianapolis 500 (2014), where he finished sixth and was named the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year. 

MEDIA CONTACT:

For Monster Energy: Kim Dresser:  [email protected]

For Kurt Busch: Marion PR: [email protected] / 623-308-2638

SOURCE Kurt Busch