Just What Kurt Needs (by Frank Alford)
by davelembke on Jan.13, 2012, under Uncategorized
Kurt Busch lost his job for the second time in his NASCAR career due to his actions and attitude off the track. The fact that he lasted as long as he did at Penske is a surprise in itself. It is not a question of his talent, it is how he handles himself on and off the track that is. Now he is not one of NASCAR’s “bad boys”, that title is for his little brother Kyle and Tony Stewart.
Kurt has signed a one year deal with Phoenix Racing. This is an underfunded team that gets cars and engines from Hendrick Motorsports. The #51 Chevy had some good runs last year with Landon Cassill behind the wheel. I expect Kurt to win at least one race in 2012. He could bring more sponsorship to the team with consistent runs, which would allow for more funding and a possible run to put the team in The Chase. I know that is a stretch but Kurt has the talent and the car to get the job done. There is also the chance of him landing a ride with a big team in 2013 if he runs well with the lower tier team of Phoenix Racing. If he brings the success to Phoenix he could land more money and move Phoenix up the ladder allowing the team to compete with the larger teams.
This gives Kurt a chance to go out and race just to race, his only goal is to win races. No worry about a championship run at the beginning of the season, He is basically in a no pressure situation. If he can keep his cool and control his actions I believe he can give Phoenix Racing some success while having fun this year. I hate it for Landon but this is a good thing for Kurt.
On a positive note, the #51 has been fast in testing.
I like what I am seeing in the team with the addition of Kurt Busch.
See you at the finish line
Frank
January 13th, 2012 on 5:18 pm
Frank, good article as usual! Kurt got himself into this mess, hopefully he can pull himself and his new team into a better place. Maybe eating ‘humble pie’ while driving for someone willing to take a chance on him could give him the incentive he needs to just SHUT UP AND DRIVE!
January 13th, 2012 on 6:30 pm
Good point Tizzy. There are a few drivers that could use that lesson.
January 14th, 2012 on 7:33 am
I can relate to Kurt somewhat, not that I’ve ever had such a volatile temper, but I’ve worked for mega-companies where you sort of got lost in the shuffle and frustrated by bureaucracy and I’ve left them to go to smaller places for less money that were more fun and you relished the opportunity to make it more than it was. And yes, I think less pressure will be good for Kurt too. Winning at Penske was expected but if he wins at Phoenix, he’ll be pulling off a coup.
January 16th, 2012 on 11:36 am
I hope Kurt gets his head back together and makes a comeback. I think racing for James Finch is gonna be a GREAT thing for Kurt. They may each be missing teeth by the time we get to Homestead, but they will be racing and racing competitively. Hell, he was FAST Friday in testing. Top of the charts. He is a helluva driver.
January 18th, 2012 on 11:55 pm
I hope Kurt’s anger management classes work or this ride will end up the same as Penske’s. He might be a good driver but good drivers can hit rock bottom and it’s a rough climb back to the top. I don’t feel sorry for Kurt Busch…he brought this on himself…now just shut up and drive.