Changing Kyle Busch
The Woodlands, TX - SOZ Studios: I'm not so sure NASCAR is the one causing drivers to change their personalities. At one time I did. We've seen several drivers over the years change. Example one, Tony Stewart.
Remember back in his anger management days? He was winning championships. Same with Kurt Busch - back when he was driving for Jack Roush, he had an attitude. Kurt was also winning a championship.
The Woodlands, TX - SOZ Studios: I'm not so sure NASCAR is the one causing drivers to change their personalities. At one time I did. We've seen several drivers over the years change. Example one, Tony Stewart.
Remember back in his anger management days? He was winning championships. Same with Kurt Busch - back when he was driving for Jack Roush, he had an attitude. Kurt was also winning a championship.
Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR
Kyle Busch celebrates winning the Crown Royal presents the Matthew and Daniel Hansen 400 at Richmond International Raceway, his 21st career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory.
Kyle Busch celebrates winning the Crown Royal presents the Matthew and Daniel Hansen 400 at Richmond International Raceway, his 21st career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory.
These days I think others have stepped in and are trying to change NASCAR drivers into an
image that fits their products and services - which could be causing a conflict with NASCAR's
best interest for the future of the sport.
NASCAR wants a "boys have at it" attitute but sponsors don't. Just look at Darlington a few weeks ago.
Everyone agrees Kyle Busch has changed. Some say his marriage has caused him to mature while others (and I'm in the others group) point to his sponsors. Do you think M&M's wants Kyle using bad language or storming off after an incident on the track? No they don't.
At Darlington, after the deal with Kevin Harvick and before his meeting with NASCAR officials, Kyle was positive - he was funny and he took his time to explain what happened. Several suits were around Kyle ready to escort him to meet with NASCAR and in my opinion he was man-handled.
After the meeting with NASCAR, with no suit around, he was cold, blunt and not wanting to discuss the incident. Less than an hour ago with suits around him he was positive. Now with no suits he is upset - we saw the real Kyle.
This tells me someone is trying to change Kyle Busch. And for you people trying to do this - you get my Spin Out of the Week.
NASCAR wants a "boys have at it" attitute but sponsors don't. Just look at Darlington a few weeks ago.
Everyone agrees Kyle Busch has changed. Some say his marriage has caused him to mature while others (and I'm in the others group) point to his sponsors. Do you think M&M's wants Kyle using bad language or storming off after an incident on the track? No they don't.
At Darlington, after the deal with Kevin Harvick and before his meeting with NASCAR officials, Kyle was positive - he was funny and he took his time to explain what happened. Several suits were around Kyle ready to escort him to meet with NASCAR and in my opinion he was man-handled.
After the meeting with NASCAR, with no suit around, he was cold, blunt and not wanting to discuss the incident. Less than an hour ago with suits around him he was positive. Now with no suits he is upset - we saw the real Kyle.
This tells me someone is trying to change Kyle Busch. And for you people trying to do this - you get my Spin Out of the Week.
Someone isn't being honest
The Woodlands, TX - SOZ Studios: They say any publicity is good publicity and if this is true, Kyle Busch is marketing rich.
Kyle dominated the news of late. Last week on the radio show, in the Spin Out segment, we talked about Kyle's speeding ticket. Now we find out Kyle got a "whipping" (according to Ray Dunlap from SPEED) from famous NASCAR team owner Richard Childress after the Truck Series race at Kansas.
The Woodlands, TX - SOZ Studios: They say any publicity is good publicity and if this is true, Kyle Busch is marketing rich.
Kyle dominated the news of late. Last week on the radio show, in the Spin Out segment, we talked about Kyle's speeding ticket. Now we find out Kyle got a "whipping" (according to Ray Dunlap from SPEED) from famous NASCAR team owner Richard Childress after the Truck Series race at Kansas.
Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR
Richard Childress Racing owner, Richard Childress, addressing the media at Charlottle Motor Speedway.
Richard Childress Racing owner, Richard Childress, addressing the media at Charlottle Motor Speedway.
I think the controversy surrounding Kyle is good for the sport but I have to believe if I was
standing in Bill Janitz's shoes, the public relations manager for Kyle, I'd be begging him to take a
break from the spotlight.
That said I must give Kyle credit. After the altercation with Richard, Kyle did make an appearance before the Cup Series race at Kansas to give his side of the story. And he wasn't sporting a black eye or missing any teeth.
While Kyle did the talking, Richard was no where to be found. Frankly, I found this to be disturbing.
It was reported within the garage area and on national television that an RCR spokesperson told the media, Childress was advised by NASCAR not to speak to the media about the situation.
NASCAR has always done a good job on allowing owners and drivers to voice their opinions using the media. But stories over the past several seasons of secret fines when they disapprove of comments having been leaking out. Most recently the $50,000 secret fine to Ryan Newman for punching Juan Pablo Montoya during a visit to the NASCAR hauler.
Now Childress says NASCAR advised him not to speak with the media? I'm not a fan of this development.
This means we have a problem. Either NASCAR is restricting media access to owners and drivers by advising these people not to talk or Childress wasn't honest with us.
There's a bunch of unanswered questions but one thing is for sure, one of these two parties deserve a Spin Out.
That said I must give Kyle credit. After the altercation with Richard, Kyle did make an appearance before the Cup Series race at Kansas to give his side of the story. And he wasn't sporting a black eye or missing any teeth.
While Kyle did the talking, Richard was no where to be found. Frankly, I found this to be disturbing.
It was reported within the garage area and on national television that an RCR spokesperson told the media, Childress was advised by NASCAR not to speak to the media about the situation.
NASCAR has always done a good job on allowing owners and drivers to voice their opinions using the media. But stories over the past several seasons of secret fines when they disapprove of comments having been leaking out. Most recently the $50,000 secret fine to Ryan Newman for punching Juan Pablo Montoya during a visit to the NASCAR hauler.
Now Childress says NASCAR advised him not to speak with the media? I'm not a fan of this development.
This means we have a problem. Either NASCAR is restricting media access to owners and drivers by advising these people not to talk or Childress wasn't honest with us.
There's a bunch of unanswered questions but one thing is for sure, one of these two parties deserve a Spin Out.
Beginning of the end for the
small track in Indy?
The Woodlands, TX - SOZ Studios: The word came down on Wednesday - in 2012 NASCAR will move the NWS race from Lucas Oil Raceway Park to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The big race 2012 weekend at IMS will include the Grand-AM Rolex Series on Friday, the Nationwide race on Saturday and the Cup race (Brickyard 400) on Sunday.
The Woodlands, TX - SOZ Studios: The word came down on Wednesday - in 2012 NASCAR will move the NWS race from Lucas Oil Raceway Park to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The big race 2012 weekend at IMS will include the Grand-AM Rolex Series on Friday, the Nationwide race on Saturday and the Cup race (Brickyard 400) on Sunday.
Credit:Christian Peterson/Getty Images
for NASCAR
Kyle Busch and Ron Hornaday race each other during the 2010 Nationwide Series race at Lucas Oil Raceway Park
for NASCAR
Kyle Busch and Ron Hornaday race each other during the 2010 Nationwide Series race at Lucas Oil Raceway Park
I am truly disappointed. Here you have a great race at the short track in Indy and just like "that"
it can be taken away.
I like IMS because it was a special track where not just anyone could race on it. We only saw the best of the best talent race at Indy. That's not to say the NWS doesn't have talented drivers, because they do, but can't there be one track on the Cup schedule saved for Cup drivers only? Heck, the only difference these days between racing in the NWS and the Cup series is basically the money.
While IMS is a great track, my opinion is the best races of the Indy weekend have been the NWS and the Camping World Truck Series races at Lucas Oil Raceway Park. It's short. It's tough. It's where drivers beat and bang for every inch - and it reminds me of the old style Bristol without the banking.
The fans love this track and I think we will see outrage about this. This type of move could kill this track. Another great little track thrown away because NASCAR and promoters want bigger tracks with more seats. Honestly, it's was the American short track that made NASCAR what it is today and in my opinion, this is another step in the wrong direction for the NWS. And that gets my Spin Out of the Week.
UPDATE SINCE THIS SPIN OUT: Lucas Oil Raceway announced today (7-6-11) that the Kroger 200 benefitting Riley Hospital for Children and the AAA Insurance 200 will not return to Lucas Oil Raceway during the traditional late July early August date the for the 2012 season. "We are disappointed that the NASCAR Nationwide Series and the Camping World Truck Series will not return to Lucas Oil Raceway on their customary race weekend. The Kroger 200 and the AAA Insurance 200 have long been one of the 'can't miss' events for race fans in the Midwest," said Wes Collier, general manager of Lucas Oil Raceway.
I like IMS because it was a special track where not just anyone could race on it. We only saw the best of the best talent race at Indy. That's not to say the NWS doesn't have talented drivers, because they do, but can't there be one track on the Cup schedule saved for Cup drivers only? Heck, the only difference these days between racing in the NWS and the Cup series is basically the money.
While IMS is a great track, my opinion is the best races of the Indy weekend have been the NWS and the Camping World Truck Series races at Lucas Oil Raceway Park. It's short. It's tough. It's where drivers beat and bang for every inch - and it reminds me of the old style Bristol without the banking.
The fans love this track and I think we will see outrage about this. This type of move could kill this track. Another great little track thrown away because NASCAR and promoters want bigger tracks with more seats. Honestly, it's was the American short track that made NASCAR what it is today and in my opinion, this is another step in the wrong direction for the NWS. And that gets my Spin Out of the Week.
UPDATE SINCE THIS SPIN OUT: Lucas Oil Raceway announced today (7-6-11) that the Kroger 200 benefitting Riley Hospital for Children and the AAA Insurance 200 will not return to Lucas Oil Raceway during the traditional late July early August date the for the 2012 season. "We are disappointed that the NASCAR Nationwide Series and the Camping World Truck Series will not return to Lucas Oil Raceway on their customary race weekend. The Kroger 200 and the AAA Insurance 200 have long been one of the 'can't miss' events for race fans in the Midwest," said Wes Collier, general manager of Lucas Oil Raceway.
Why are they leaving?
The Woodlands, TX - SOZ Studios: I am sure you've heard by now Red Bull and their ownership of the No. 4 and No. 83 teams will be ending at the end of this season.
After the emotional wait for Brian Vickers to return and the dumping of Scott Speed to open a seat for Kasey Kahne, I guess their NASCAR program has become too much of a challenge for the brass at Red Bull Racing.
The Woodlands, TX - SOZ Studios: I am sure you've heard by now Red Bull and their ownership of the No. 4 and No. 83 teams will be ending at the end of this season.
After the emotional wait for Brian Vickers to return and the dumping of Scott Speed to open a seat for Kasey Kahne, I guess their NASCAR program has become too much of a challenge for the brass at Red Bull Racing.
Credit:Tom Pennington/Getty Images for NASCAR
Red Bull drivers, Kasey Kahne and Brian Vickers with crew chief Ryan Pemberton at Infineon Raceway.
Red Bull drivers, Kasey Kahne and Brian Vickers with crew chief Ryan Pemberton at Infineon Raceway.
One fact is true, their NASCAR program has not produced the same type of on-track results as
their Formula One program. Their F1 program has produced championships - their NASCAR
program has not been able to keep up with the champions of the series.
It's still unknown if their sponsorship (not ownership) will remain in the sport of NASCAR even though some have the Red Bull brand moving to Michael Waltrip's team.
As for the team itself, General Manager Jay Frye is looking for investors to keep the program alive but many believe this will be a tough program to sell in these economic times. One thought, Mark Martin could be tied to the program and if this is the case sponsorship could follow.
Keeping the team alive is a good thing - a good thought. But I am disappointed in Red Bull Racing for bolting from the sport. There's no secret, Red Bull has wanted to own the sports world for years. NASCAR, F1, extreme sports and doing circles in the sky in planes has been the highlight of their motorsports programs. Now have they come to the realization that NASCAR is no longer a valuable marketing program for them?
They started their NASCAR program only five years ago so did the current Scott Speed lawsuit break them? Has the demographic changed for them or is this the beginning of a departure from the sport for many teams with Red Bull taking the lead? Questions surround this move to leave.
I suspect, Red Bull did not find the success they expected and I believe their inability to obtain a top championship driver in the sport made them realize they would never find the same Roush - Hendrick type of success in the sport. So in childlike fashion, instead of stepping up and making the program even better - they decided to walk away.
If I'm wrong and Red Bull is leaving NASCAR, F1 and other motorsport activities to save their company during a hard economic environment - then I will shut up and praise them for trying to save their company.
But if they only bolt from NASCAR and leave other racing efforts in place then I believe they couldn't compete and so they walked, which would make them my Spin Out of the Week.
It's still unknown if their sponsorship (not ownership) will remain in the sport of NASCAR even though some have the Red Bull brand moving to Michael Waltrip's team.
As for the team itself, General Manager Jay Frye is looking for investors to keep the program alive but many believe this will be a tough program to sell in these economic times. One thought, Mark Martin could be tied to the program and if this is the case sponsorship could follow.
Keeping the team alive is a good thing - a good thought. But I am disappointed in Red Bull Racing for bolting from the sport. There's no secret, Red Bull has wanted to own the sports world for years. NASCAR, F1, extreme sports and doing circles in the sky in planes has been the highlight of their motorsports programs. Now have they come to the realization that NASCAR is no longer a valuable marketing program for them?
They started their NASCAR program only five years ago so did the current Scott Speed lawsuit break them? Has the demographic changed for them or is this the beginning of a departure from the sport for many teams with Red Bull taking the lead? Questions surround this move to leave.
I suspect, Red Bull did not find the success they expected and I believe their inability to obtain a top championship driver in the sport made them realize they would never find the same Roush - Hendrick type of success in the sport. So in childlike fashion, instead of stepping up and making the program even better - they decided to walk away.
If I'm wrong and Red Bull is leaving NASCAR, F1 and other motorsport activities to save their company during a hard economic environment - then I will shut up and praise them for trying to save their company.
But if they only bolt from NASCAR and leave other racing efforts in place then I believe they couldn't compete and so they walked, which would make them my Spin Out of the Week.
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Is ESPN being fair and balanced
with NASCAR drivers and fans?
The Woodlands, TX - SOZ Studios:
If you've never heard my show or read any of my columns let me warn you - what I'm about to say may offend some people. Especially those within the industry (who have no problem with what is going on because it's how they roll).
I've been complaining about this topic for years. And after the New Hampshire weekend I was reminded why this continues to be a hot topic of mine.
The Woodlands, TX - SOZ Studios:
If you've never heard my show or read any of my columns let me warn you - what I'm about to say may offend some people. Especially those within the industry (who have no problem with what is going on because it's how they roll).
I've been complaining about this topic for years. And after the New Hampshire weekend I was reminded why this continues to be a hot topic of mine.
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Marcus Jadotte, Brad Daugherty, Mike Helton and Rusty Wallace in New York City during an event back in May.
Marcus Jadotte, Brad Daugherty, Mike Helton and Rusty Wallace in New York City during an event back in May.
Winner and Spin Out of the Week
Each week on the Thunder Crew radio show, Mike Harper announces his Winner and Spin Out of the Week.
The Winner: A racing personality who does something good for their community and/or the sport of racing.
Spin Out: A racing personality who did something boneheaded or basically messed up in sport and/or in life.
Each week on the Thunder Crew radio show, Mike Harper announces his Winner and Spin Out of the Week.
The Winner: A racing personality who does something good for their community and/or the sport of racing.
Spin Out: A racing personality who did something boneheaded or basically messed up in sport and/or in life.
During the Nationwide Series race was I the only one who felt awkward after Steven Wallace
wrecked Jason Leffler?
Steven's father and car owner, Rusty Wallace, was in the booth calling the race for ESPN with Ricky Craven and Marty Reid. When the wreck happened and it looked intentional, an awkward silence took over the booth.
I'm sure it was a situation that no one wanted to be in. Rusty wasn't speaking a word, Ricky was trying to find the words to say and Marty was frankly, being Marty.
It was strangely uncomfortable.
It was totally opposite from the reaction viewers received from the booth guys when ESPN did the NWS broadcast from Road America. Andy Petree, who was in the booth at the time, called some of the racing he saw bone-headed. He was correct. Sadly, viewers didn't get the same type of analysis from the New Hampshire broadcast.
Once the dust settled at New Hampshire, after Leffler made his way to the garage area, and the viewers saw multiple replays, the obvious conclusion was Steven hooked Jason and wrecked him. We saw bumping prior to the incident and Steven finished it by doing what Kevin Harvick calls a "throwing down of the gloves" like they do in hockey.
While we saw what we saw, Rusty finally threw in his two cents. He claimed Steven locked up his brakes and it was just a racing deal.
Maybe it's just me but I didn't see any brakes lock-up. You folks will need to go back and look at the replay to form your own opinion.
I'm a Rusty Wallace fan. I admire what he as done and I respect the man. But at the end of the day having him in the booth, calling the race, was a major conflict of interest.
He owns Steven's car! Actually, he owns two NWS cars and no one can expect Rusty to be fair and balanced when something like this happens on the track.
This is why Ray Evernham walked away from ESPN after rejoining Hendrick Motorsports. He knew it would be difficult to keep the fans trust when he was providing his opinions.
In my opinion, the NWS race from New Hampshire was a dark moment in NASCAR broadcasting. I have no problem with Rusty or even Brad Dougherty (another car owner) doing the pre race show or popping in every now and then to give some opinions - but doing the call of the race should be off limits.
ESPN and Rusty Wallace win my Spin Out of the Week.
Steven's father and car owner, Rusty Wallace, was in the booth calling the race for ESPN with Ricky Craven and Marty Reid. When the wreck happened and it looked intentional, an awkward silence took over the booth.
I'm sure it was a situation that no one wanted to be in. Rusty wasn't speaking a word, Ricky was trying to find the words to say and Marty was frankly, being Marty.
It was strangely uncomfortable.
It was totally opposite from the reaction viewers received from the booth guys when ESPN did the NWS broadcast from Road America. Andy Petree, who was in the booth at the time, called some of the racing he saw bone-headed. He was correct. Sadly, viewers didn't get the same type of analysis from the New Hampshire broadcast.
Once the dust settled at New Hampshire, after Leffler made his way to the garage area, and the viewers saw multiple replays, the obvious conclusion was Steven hooked Jason and wrecked him. We saw bumping prior to the incident and Steven finished it by doing what Kevin Harvick calls a "throwing down of the gloves" like they do in hockey.
While we saw what we saw, Rusty finally threw in his two cents. He claimed Steven locked up his brakes and it was just a racing deal.
Maybe it's just me but I didn't see any brakes lock-up. You folks will need to go back and look at the replay to form your own opinion.
I'm a Rusty Wallace fan. I admire what he as done and I respect the man. But at the end of the day having him in the booth, calling the race, was a major conflict of interest.
He owns Steven's car! Actually, he owns two NWS cars and no one can expect Rusty to be fair and balanced when something like this happens on the track.
This is why Ray Evernham walked away from ESPN after rejoining Hendrick Motorsports. He knew it would be difficult to keep the fans trust when he was providing his opinions.
In my opinion, the NWS race from New Hampshire was a dark moment in NASCAR broadcasting. I have no problem with Rusty or even Brad Dougherty (another car owner) doing the pre race show or popping in every now and then to give some opinions - but doing the call of the race should be off limits.
ESPN and Rusty Wallace win my Spin Out of the Week.
Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR
Michael Waltrip made Mike Harper's Top 10 Most and Least Influential - Click photo to read.
Michael Waltrip made Mike Harper's Top 10 Most and Least Influential - Click photo to read.