Kurt Busch as much a victim of economy as antics

December 5, 2011 7 Comments »

Nobody, including a Sprint Cup champ like Kurt Busch, can do too much misbehaving these days with so many replacement options. Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR

Let’s be clear here. As much as Kurt Busch did just about everything he could to get fired short of giving Roger Penske a wedgie, in another era he never would have been given his walking papers like he was Monday.

Another era would be just a few years ago, when 49 fully-funded cars showed up at the track looking for 43 spots. This is a supply-and-demand business. There used to be more good rides than good drivers. Now, there are more good drivers than good rides.

When there’s a surplus of talent out there that actually knows how to represent a company, why in the world would you feel the need to deal with head cases that could cost you the very same sponsorship you’re using to pay their salary?

David Ragan, who likely would’ve swept Daytona this past season if not for one restart screwup at the 500, is making a full-court press for the gig. He by far has the most upside.

Brian Vickers has an appearance in the Chase under his belt and is fully over his medical issues. Plus, if Shell-Pennzoil wanted to save a little money, Vickers maybe could bring some additional sponsorship from Red Bull, which wants to stay in the sport as a sponsor even though it’s getting out of ownership.

David Reutimann may seem like a long shot since he’s older and not a potential long-term option. But not so fast. Penske wants to put Sam Hornish Jr. back in the Sprint Cup in 2013 after a full season in the Nationwide Series. If Penske doesn’t feel he can get full-time sponsorship for three Sprint Cup cars in 2013, Reutimann would be the perfect stopgap to drive the No. 22 Dodge in 2012 before Hornish takes over. Reutimann is one of the nicest guys in the garage. The playful banter at the track between Root and his dad Buzzie would be the perfect change of pace for a company saddled by YouTube videos of Busch blistering Dr. Jerry Punch’s ears.

The sports landscape changes fast. Tim Tebow is the new Hulk Hogan. Training, saying your prayers and eating your vitamins are in. Terrell Owens “Get your popcorn ready” BS is out.

At least T.O. had a modicum of entertainment value. Busch just made you want to change the channel.

For a company putting $20 million into a team, that is unacceptable — especially when there are so many other options.

  • http://thementalcoach.com David Kenward – The Mental Coach

    It is interesting how NASCAR (and other professional sports) have changed. While in past days, bad behavior on (and off) the track might have been unnoticed (or quickly forgotten), with the Internet (including YouTube, blogs and other social networking sites), it’s rehashed, commented on, reposted and has quite a lengthy shelf life.

    Considering a driver’s behavior often has a powerful link to a perception of their sponsor, I think much more attention is paid to the cost/benefit analysis of a company’s association with a driver. Fact is, there are lots of talented drivers out there who will behave in a way that is in line with their sponsor’s desired image. I guess Busch is learning that now.

  • autryvilleracefan

    Kyle Busch, in my opinion, has done more things worthy to get fired than Kurt Busch. Cursing doesn’t hurt anyone. What Kyle did to Ron Hornaday was unsafe and basically vehicular assault. Too bad Joe Gibbs Racing doesn’t hold its drivers up to a higher standard.

    • http://www.salinasrv.com Joe Gibbs

      Really! Says who,…Kevin Harvick Brought this on himself, Hornaday Hit Kyle first, Kyle went a tad overboard but such is life, You want me to fire the greatest talent Nascar will ever have,..Because your a hater? Well let me explain the economics of this to you, Mars paid us 22M for the year. What they expect in return is television exposure, ..Kyle gave them 68M the greatest return by any driver this year including your beloved Junior,.. So you stick to asking the DMV for permission to drive,.. I will take care of Kyle.

  • grumpiestoldman

    None of those replacements you opined above have a snowballs chance in hell of wrestling one of those famously-hard-to-drive Penske cars to victory lane.
    And Kurt wouldn’t have let Penske slither out of their contract if he didn’t already have something in the works.

    • jim

      its called a performance clause,required in all big time, big dollars,contracts.

  • http://www.salinasrv.com Roger Penske

    Dr,Jerry Punch Has been around enough to Know Interviewing Kurt after A two stright bad races, was not going to have a happy ending. This was not his first Rodeo. You guys in the press Corps Have A though job,..It is not easy commenting on43 drivers driving in circles for four hours, To make things interesting,You guys tend to Make mountains out of mole hills. This economy as you have accuratly pointed out makes this deal tough on everyone, Especially the owners when you guys go over the top on the latest news, If you guys continue this trend, because you find it difficult to come up with interesting stuff! Please in the future be more like Fox News and tell both sides of the story. Roger and out!

  • John H

    A lot of us are hotheads, hotheads we can tolerate (Kyle, Smoke, Happy, etc.), but we all collectively HATE prima donnas.