Kurt Busch: Alone and Looking

Credit to Zimbio

No one said the NASCAR season ended with the last race at Homestead.  Over the past two weeks, there have been multiple crew chief changes, a Sprint contract extension, and today, Kurt Busch was let go from Penske Racing based on a mutual decision between both driver, owner, and sponsors.  

Roger Penske issued a statement today, "While I am disappointed that Kurt will not be racing for our team in the future, both Kurt and I felt that separating at this time was best for all parties, including our team and sponsors. I wish Kurt the best in his future racing endeavors."

After being with Penske Racing for six years, after his release from then, Roush Racing, Kurt has accumulated sixteen wins, one being the 2010 All-Star Race.  That’s not all he’s accumulated; he went through three crew chiefs, most recently, Steve Addington.  

Controlling his feelings was not a strong point for Kurt.  He got into verbal fights with crew chief Steve Addington, his No. 22 crew, and even Roger himself.  He also didn’t have a good relationship with the media, often getting into fights with them, or in one case, ripping up reporter, Jenna Fryer’s paper.  

Everyone knows about Kurt’s infamous outburst at Homestead-Miami Speedway where he verbally lashed out on ESPN reporter, Dr. Jerry Punch while waiting for an interview and gave a NASCAR official “the finger” while driving back to the garage after an early-race incident took him out of contention for the win.  These actions cost him fifty thousand dollars.  

With every good thing Kurt did over the past six years, there was a bad thing.  This not only concerned Roger Penske, but it also concerned the sponsors who pay to have their name associated with the driver.  I mean, who would want their name associated with something negative.  Very understandable.  

After seeking the help of a sports psychologist, and doing some thinking over the Thanksgiving weekend, Kurt decided it was time for a “fresh start.”  

I’m left with a question, if that video of Kurt’s outburst was never recorded and posted on YouTube, what would’ve happened?  Sure he would’ve been fined, but would he have been let go from Penske Racing?  Another question we’re all wondering is who will fill the seat of the No. 22?  Will it be David Ragan, David Reutimann, or Brian Vickers?

No matter what, I sincerely wish Kurt Busch the best of luck in getting his anger issues fixed, and hope that he finds a ride for next season and beyond.  

To see Kurt’s personal statement video that was issued, visit his website, http://kurtbusch.com/.