#3WideBlog Opinion: Kurt Busch Suspension, My Take

     On Tuesday June 5th 2012, the inevitable happened. NASCAR suspended Kurt Busch until June 13th 2012, and has extended his already existing probation (originally set to end July 25th 2012) until Dec. 31st 2012 for his actions following the NASCAR Nationwide Series race June 2nd 2012 at Dover International Speedway. Busch violated Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing; violation of probation; verbal abuse to a media member) of the 2012 NASCAR Rule Book.


     After leaving some time for it all to sink in, reading various articles from the media, reading drivers and fans mixed reaction I have formulated my own opinion. Honestlly I had two knee-jerk reactions when I read this news on my twitter feed at work. "It's about time" and "WOW". Now before you climb up on me as a "Kurt Busch hater" hear me out. Kurt Busch is one of NASCAR's elite drivers. Having captured the 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship, and having amassed 24 victories, 88 top-5's and 170 top-10's in his Sprint Cup Series career, there is no question that Kurt Busch is a very talented driver.


     Busch's talent however, is often clouded by controversial events. He is well known for his on track run-ins with drivers, notably: Jimmy Spencer, Greg Biffle, Kevin Harvick, Robby Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart and even his younger brother Kyle, who owns his NASCAR Nationwide Series car now. But that's more than expected at this level. With the most elite drivers and the highest competition level any driver is likely to have an on track run-in with another, its just how the aftermath is dealt with. There was the incident in the pits at Darlington between Ryan Newman and himself, innocent enough, it was in my opinion his reaction to Newman's crew members that landed him on probation.

Kurt Busch ripping the transcript
(YouTube screen cap)

     Herein lies Kurt Busch's problem, dealing with an issue once it arises. Its not even most often a driver he has an issue with, its the media. NASCAR has rules set out in its rulebook that prohibit drivers from verbally abusing or threatening media members, Busch has flagrantly disregarded this rule on several occasions. Notably: Richmond in September of 2011 Kurt and Jimmie Johnson had tangled on track, when NASCAR.com reporter Joe Menzer asked “Kurt, can either you or Jimmie win the Chase…”. Busch cut Menzer off replying “How did I see you were going to come with that? We’re good.” and turned to walk away. Busch ultimately shouted, swore and went after Menzer before Team Penske members had to restrain him. Associated Press reporter Jenna Fryer later in a press conference asked Johnson about the comment during the post race interview, Busch interrupted denying it and Fryer offered to show him the transcript. Busch then tore up the transcript (after reading) showing he had made these statements and walked out of the media center.

Kurt Busch & Jamie Little
(YouTube Screen cap)

     Another instance is, before the 2011 New Hampshire Motor Speedway race, Kurt's #22 Penske crew had to delay taking their car to the grid until after the anthem. This was due to issues with their rear-end housing. Pit reporter Jamie Little, who was walking with Busch, asked if it was okay for her to ask a question. Busch responded with: "Why the f#%k do you think it would be okay, I gotta get in my car. NASCAR told me I gotta get in my car"


     

Kurt Busch & Dr. Punch

     Then the incident at the 2011 finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. While waiting for a live interview with senior pit road reporter Dr. Jerry Punch, Busch verbally berated him with repeated expletives until the interview was cancelled. This was caught on camera by a fan and posted on YouTube, ultimately it also led to his release from Penske. During the 2011 NASCAR Championship week, Busch revealed that he had been working with a sports psychologist to work on "personal issues". Untill Darlington of this year it had looked like Kurt had changed his ways. Then came his comments to Bob Pockrass that got him suspended.


     NASCAR sent a clear message and used Kurt Busch as the billboard. I was just as surprised as everyone to learn of the suspension but it was time, and it quickly became clear. NASCAR's probation is not to be taken lightly, once thought of as a "slap on the wrist", it now carries more weight than before. Another thing was that NASCAR will not tolerate continued abuse of media members. Fines and probation were not teaching Kurt the lesson so NASCAR was forced to take the next step. James Finch has agreed to continue to field his #51 Chevrolet with Kurt as the driver on a race by race basis, and is quoted saying  "Here's the deal: Quit wrecking the cars, get a good finish, be nice to people. That's not real hard to do." 


     Here's hoping for Kurt's career, his fans, and NASCAR that he can turn this around and not spoil his unquestionable talent.


     Untill next time Smitty Out.