27 replies to this topic

[Jim Drago]

http://nascar.speedt...-to-separation#


This deal is a mess. Kurt is a very talented guy, but obviously a very troubled guy as well. I am a fan of the Busch brothers as I respect what they can do in the car, few others can equal that. But the tirades on the radio and off track stuff has gotten too much. I have been a big fan of Penske Racing since the mid 80's, nothing but respect for Roger Penske. I have to say, from what I know about Roger, I am surprised Kurt was ever hired for one, but even more surprised how long Roger put up with his attitude. Every time I hear Roger basically tells Kurt to be quiet and drive the car and Kurts sarcastic reply " 10-4, dude", I hear him really saying F You. I can't believe Roger stood for that as long as he did.
I think Kurt has some issues to work out, recent divorce, constant turmoil in the car etc. I think he is a dedicated guy who really could benefit from some time on the Shrinks couch or maybe some medication. I know I am probably in the minority, but the Busch brothers make Nascar racing more enjoyable to watch, not the crashes or rants, but watching the talent of those two. If you missed the Sonoma race this year, it was total domination by Kurt, you rarely see someone dominate a race like he did that one.

Hopefully the guy gets some help, grows up and lands with a team and sponsor capable of giving the guy a car capable of competing. I think he may be out of chances with a front running team

[LarryKing]

And no top rides with an open seat in 2012.

For both Busch boys - they get paid obscene amounts of money to do something they love and all they have to do is not be a dick in public - why is that so freakin hard to accomplish?

Hope Kurt sits-out 2012.

[Jim Drago]

So true.. If they could only shut up There is no here he could really land right now.. I suspect he will be watching.

Jim

[john mueller]

I told my son about this at breakfast this morning, he's 7... He said "he wins races and won a championship before, right?" I replied yes. He said "I guess winning really isn't everything."

[Jim Creighton]

Now, I hope Joe Gibbs Racing follows suit and releases Kyle Busch. I sent a personal email to J D Gibbs after Kyle pulled his attempt at killing Ron Hornaday at Texas. I also sent an email to the CEO of Mars Candies, his principal sponsor. The answer from Mars was "we have suspended our sponsorship for the remainder of 2011". I answered by suggesting they consider other drivers such as Regan Smith or Trevor Bayne.

There are many, many young drivers who have talent waiting in the wings. Having spent 17 years with a Pro short track race series, I assure you the Busch brothers are no better than 100 others. They just got the chance, but like some others, they couldn't deal with success.

Too bad the Busch brothers weren't around 20 years ago cause Jimmy Spencer & Richard Childress would have taken care of business. But they would have had to wait until Earnhardt, Wallace, Waldrip, Jarrett, Irvin, etc. finished with them. But that was back when NASCAR was a race not a show!

[Qik Nip]

Bravo Roger and c'mon coach. I know it's considered inapropriate in road course circles to admit enjoying any form of circle track racing, but I frankly enjoy it (to include trips to the local dirt track occasionally). That said, I don't enjoy watching whiners who are being paid millions acting like children. Further, I hate to see the mediocre likes of legacy drivers like Steven Wallace taking up seat space that could be filled by so many drivers with real skill (to include better marketability). Heck, at least Danica is good for her sponsors!
Rick

[trey]

Good job Mr. Penske

Hard to believe they ( Miller Brewing ) ever hired Kurt to drive a car sponsored by an image product ( Miller Lite ) ... He's such a nerd he could win every race and still not be able to sell beer.

[dstevens]

reap what = sow

[Tom Sager]

Kurt Busch was never worthy of the #2 after Rusty Wallace retired. That car/team/owner deserves much better.

[dstevens]

Word on Sirius Speedway is David Ragan could take the ride this week. He was released from RFR today due to lack of sponsorship. Moody and gang talked to both Busch and Bud Dinker at Penske who termed the decision "mutual". Sound to me like the corp speak when an exec leaves to "spend more time with family" or to "pursue other interests" but the Charlotte Observer initially reported it as a release Busch and the team are playing the mutual card. Other choices could include Brian Vickers or David Reutimann. I'd like to see Rooty get it because of what I've seen in the garage he is great with the fans, particularly the kids. And besides how will Buzzie's dirt program continue to be funded if Rooty doesn't have a full time gig. They've even gone as far on Reutimann Racing to get an email campaign going to support Rooty for the ride.

[Qik Nip]

I'd like to see Rooty get it because of what I've seen in the garage he is great with the fans, particularly the kids. And besides how will Buzzie's dirt program continue to be funded if Rooty doesn't have a full time gig. They've even gone as far on Reutimann Racing to get an email campaign going to support Rooty for the ride.

IMHO, Rooty's chances at getting Kurt's seat are similar to Ron Paul's election shot. Nice guy, good driver, not cosmetically attractive. NASCAR sponsors want a driver who speaks well, looks good, and wins. He only has (and then only sort of) one of those going for him.
Rick

[Jim Drago]

IMHO, Rooty's chances at getting Kurt's seat are similar to Ron Paul's election shot. Nice guy, good driver, not cosmetically attractive. NASCAR sponsors want a driver who speaks well, looks good, and wins. He only has (and then only sort of) one of those going for him.
Rick

I agree, while all are candidates, I think Roger will likely put Sam Hornish in that seat and give him another shot before Ragan, Vickers or Rooty.. Ragan is not fast enough IMO, Rooty not a great sponsor guy and mid field driver, Vickers is probably the best of the bunch behind the wheel, but I don't think he is all that user friendly either and after Busch, I doubt Roger wants to deal with any more BS Sam is a sponsor friendly guy and after this last Nationwide win, maybe he is finally ready? It is clear Roger likes him, less objection from Shell, I bet he will be in the seat.

Jim

[joe varble]

I agree, while all are candidates, I think Roger will likely put Sam Hornish in that seat and give him another shot before Ragan, Vickers or Rooty.. Ragan is not fast enough IMO, Rooty not a great sponsor guy and mid field driver, Vickers is probably the best of the bunch behind the wheel, but I don't think he is all that user friendly either and after Busch, I doubt Roger wants to deal with any more BS Sam is a sponsor friendly guy and after this last Nationwide win, maybe he is finally ready? It is clear Roger likes him, less objection from Shell, I bet he will be in the seat.

Jim

Think you nailed it. X's 2

[Jim Creighton]

Source says not Sam. Reason is they have a sponsor for Sam's Nationwide car in 2012 and he can't do both. In today's market, a sponsor in hand is worth more than a driver. If I was making the decision, it would David R. However, he still has strong ties with Aaron's and marketing may be a problem. It most likely will be David Ragan. And again, if I could make the decision, it would be Stephen Leicht. Tons of talent, just never had a front running ride. And my prediction for the next NASCAR super star is Bill Elliot's 15 year old son, Chase. The kid just won the Snow Ball Derby. the Daytona of short track racing. He's got more talent in his little finger than most of the current Cup drivers. And his mother has done a heck of a job raising him. He always says Sir, Please and Thank you. Reminds me of Joey Lagano when he raced with us at 15.

[Caveman-kwebb99]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)—Kurt Busch has a new ride.
Busch, who became one of NASCAR’s most polarizing figures this past season, will return to the Sprint Cup series in 2012 to drive the No. 51 car for Phoenix Racing and owner James Finch.
Busch told The Associated Press that the deal was finalized late Wednesday night over a few cold Miller Lites in an establishment located “in the shadows of Charlotte Motor Speedway.”
“This is a fantastic opportunity to have fun at the cup level and bring this Phoenix Racing team up from where it is,” Busch said. “I’m really looking forward to it. I really think this is going to be a lot of fun.”

[Jim Creighton]

Nice guys, but not first rate equipment. If I remember right, they've won one Cup race in 20 years. They're not based in the Mooresville area and this is is always a big disadvantage. Kurt will join the mid pack crowd. No chase in 2012.

[Jim Drago]

Nice guys, but not first rate equipment. If I remember right, they've won one Cup race in 20 years. They're not based in the Mooresville area and this is is always a big disadvantage. Kurt will join the mid pack crowd. No chase in 2012.

Hendrick Chasis and Hendrick engines? Isn't that what Stewart had? I agree team probably needs some work though. I think he will d well, but I have to agree, no chase this year. But if all are committed, the pieces are in place? No idea on Crew chief's ability?

[joe varble]

Anybody want to bet on how many crew chiefs and members he will go thur next season?

[LarryKing]

In Kurt's own words:

[Caveman-kwebb99]

Nick Harrison will continue to serve as the 51's crew chief.
"I'm very happy to join Phoenix Racing and after entertaining a lot of quality offers, there's no better place for me," said Busch. "We're going to run the full schedule together, and we're going to have fun doing it.
"It's going to be old-school racing, where we show up, race hard and go for the win. And if we don't win, we'll go back to the shop, work hard and do it all over again next week. That's the way we all started racing, and it's great to get back to that."