Busch/Earnhardt Incident At Richmond, Cast Your Vote
Story: Gregg A. Shultz RaceFanVote.com 05-05-08
Any event on the track that leaves Darrell Waltrip speechless has to be big. What
happened Saturday night in the closing laps at the race in Richmond qualifies as just
that. Not only if you are a fan of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and hoping that he would finally get
his first win in two years, but if you are a Kyle Busch fan it was big too.
It’s no secret that Kyle’s popularity isn’t the stuff that diecast & t-shirt sales dreams
are made of. As a matter of fact he is one a few that receive a less that favorable
response from the crowds in the stands during driver intros and we’re talking before
the incident Saturday night. The irony in all of this is that the previous night after the
Nationwide race, Busch felt the need to let Steven Wallace know that he was driving too
hard in the closing laps. Perhaps Busch’s advice Friday night would have had more merit
if Wallace would have spun Kyle while leading the race.
Every driver has fans and they all want to see their driver win. It’s a fine line when it
comes to driving hard and whether it’s your driver on the giving or receiving end of a
deal like what happened between Kyle and Junior, you have to wonder how bad of a deal
it really is. If there are any Kyle Busch t-shirts being worn next weekend at Darlington
you can bet that the person wearing it will be 6’4” and 260 pounds of pure muscle and
can let insults roll off of him like water off a duck’s back.
Now to the fans being split. Listening to the call-in shows on the radio and TV it was
sort of surprising to hear the number of people who were supporting Kyle Busch. There
were opinions ranging from the fact they thought Junior drove down on Kyle to
comments that Busch was at fault, but they didn’t care because they don’t like Dale.
There were also justifications of that’s just Kyle’s driving style, going for the win no
matter the cost.
You have to wonder though how many of the people supporting Busch are really fans of
his or just people who don’t like Dale Jr.
Kyle is not the first driver in history to be both revered and criticized for his driving
style. Constantly driving over and beyond the edge of control and yet keeping the car
pointed forward [most of the time] seems to be an admirable quality in stock car racing.
You have to question if it’s effective in the grander scheme of things as you do not
usually see the likes of Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon or Mark Martin running around the
track like they are driving a dirt late model car.
The part that is hard to understand is here’s a kid that is constantly praised for his car
control and yet he drives into the corner too hard and under another car [that just
happens to be the leader] and loses it. Whether or not Junior gave him enough room is
debatable, but that was his line and Kyle knew that was his line. There have been a few
opinions by the media that it was a 50/50 deal which may just be an attempt at taking
the high road. If you have to give it a percentage it’s closer to say 80/20 Kyle’s fault.
The 20% of it that is Junior’s fault is for not pulling up out of the way and giving Kyle
the lead just because he stuck his car in where it wasn’t going to work. In case it gets
lost in the writing, that was sarcasm.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. took the high road in a post-race interview saying that he didn’t want
to comment on the incident until he saw the replays. He was also quick to point out that
if it were intentional that he [Busch] had the same opportunity down in [turn] two. The
point being lost in all of this was that the consensus wasn’t that what Busch did was
intentional, but merely that he ran out of talent.
Kyle Busch knew what he had and he was doing the only thing that he could to try to
make the pass on Junior. Kyle knew that his car wasn’t as fast and evident by the fact
that he never led a lap and he drove into the corner just that much deeper hoping that
his car would stick. When you attempt something risky and it works you look like a
hero, when it doesn’t you’re the zero.
The zero went on to finish 2nd and has the points lead, Dale Earnhardt Jr. limped home
15th and remains 3rd in points.
Story: Gregg A. Shultz RaceFanVote.com 05-05-08
Any event on the track that leaves Darrell Waltrip speechless has to be big. What
happened Saturday night in the closing laps at the race in Richmond qualifies as just
that. Not only if you are a fan of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and hoping that he would finally get
his first win in two years, but if you are a Kyle Busch fan it was big too.
It’s no secret that Kyle’s popularity isn’t the stuff that diecast & t-shirt sales dreams
are made of. As a matter of fact he is one a few that receive a less that favorable
response from the crowds in the stands during driver intros and we’re talking before
the incident Saturday night. The irony in all of this is that the previous night after the
Nationwide race, Busch felt the need to let Steven Wallace know that he was driving too
hard in the closing laps. Perhaps Busch’s advice Friday night would have had more merit
if Wallace would have spun Kyle while leading the race.
Every driver has fans and they all want to see their driver win. It’s a fine line when it
comes to driving hard and whether it’s your driver on the giving or receiving end of a
deal like what happened between Kyle and Junior, you have to wonder how bad of a deal
it really is. If there are any Kyle Busch t-shirts being worn next weekend at Darlington
you can bet that the person wearing it will be 6’4” and 260 pounds of pure muscle and
can let insults roll off of him like water off a duck’s back.
Now to the fans being split. Listening to the call-in shows on the radio and TV it was
sort of surprising to hear the number of people who were supporting Kyle Busch. There
were opinions ranging from the fact they thought Junior drove down on Kyle to
comments that Busch was at fault, but they didn’t care because they don’t like Dale.
There were also justifications of that’s just Kyle’s driving style, going for the win no
matter the cost.
You have to wonder though how many of the people supporting Busch are really fans of
his or just people who don’t like Dale Jr.
Kyle is not the first driver in history to be both revered and criticized for his driving
style. Constantly driving over and beyond the edge of control and yet keeping the car
pointed forward [most of the time] seems to be an admirable quality in stock car racing.
You have to question if it’s effective in the grander scheme of things as you do not
usually see the likes of Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon or Mark Martin running around the
track like they are driving a dirt late model car.
The part that is hard to understand is here’s a kid that is constantly praised for his car
control and yet he drives into the corner too hard and under another car [that just
happens to be the leader] and loses it. Whether or not Junior gave him enough room is
debatable, but that was his line and Kyle knew that was his line. There have been a few
opinions by the media that it was a 50/50 deal which may just be an attempt at taking
the high road. If you have to give it a percentage it’s closer to say 80/20 Kyle’s fault.
The 20% of it that is Junior’s fault is for not pulling up out of the way and giving Kyle
the lead just because he stuck his car in where it wasn’t going to work. In case it gets
lost in the writing, that was sarcasm.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. took the high road in a post-race interview saying that he didn’t want
to comment on the incident until he saw the replays. He was also quick to point out that
if it were intentional that he [Busch] had the same opportunity down in [turn] two. The
point being lost in all of this was that the consensus wasn’t that what Busch did was
intentional, but merely that he ran out of talent.
Kyle Busch knew what he had and he was doing the only thing that he could to try to
make the pass on Junior. Kyle knew that his car wasn’t as fast and evident by the fact
that he never led a lap and he drove into the corner just that much deeper hoping that
his car would stick. When you attempt something risky and it works you look like a
hero, when it doesn’t you’re the zero.
The zero went on to finish 2nd and has the points lead, Dale Earnhardt Jr. limped home
15th and remains 3rd in points.
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Your story is right on the mark, but you forgot the part about how the media tries to
convince us that Kyle is the new Intimidator. To me at times he just looks like a
rookie. When he spun Jr. it wasn't a controlled rattle his cage deal, he was just out
of control.
Jim Cedars in MI
convince us that Kyle is the new Intimidator. To me at times he just looks like a
rookie. When he spun Jr. it wasn't a controlled rattle his cage deal, he was just out
of control.
Jim Cedars in MI
The legions of Junior fans can't handle when the tables get turned on him. It's
racing and not free pass time because your last name is Earnhardt.
Jilly M., CA
racing and not free pass time because your last name is Earnhardt.
Jilly M., CA
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Kyle Busch will suffer the same fate as his older brother. Once he grows out of his
aggressive driving style he'll just be mediocre at best. He already got booted from
Hendrick so I wonder how long it will take until Gibbs gets tired of his antics.
Joel Stevenson, VA
aggressive driving style he'll just be mediocre at best. He already got booted from
Hendrick so I wonder how long it will take until Gibbs gets tired of his antics.
Joel Stevenson, VA
The media trying to promote Shrubby as the "bad boy" of NASCAR is a freaking
joke. Kyle is going to dump the wrong guy and get his clock cleaned just like his
brother did and then we'll see how much of a bad boy he is.
Carey Billingsley, NC
joke. Kyle is going to dump the wrong guy and get his clock cleaned just like his
brother did and then we'll see how much of a bad boy he is.
Carey Billingsley, NC
I am a Kyle Busch Fan and I take a lot of heat for his actions at times. There are
things that he needs to improve on, but when he matures some more and settles
down some he will be a driver that I can cheer for and follow for many years to
come.
Sandra Hollstead, Dallas TX
things that he needs to improve on, but when he matures some more and settles
down some he will be a driver that I can cheer for and follow for many years to
come.
Sandra Hollstead, Dallas TX
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is still taking the high road by saying that Kyle just got loose
under him and that it's happened to him too. It seems like he is taking it better than
some of his fans.
Delbert Jawsalot, Anytown USA
Editor's Note: Just put anonymous if you don't want your real name published.
under him and that it's happened to him too. It seems like he is taking it better than
some of his fans.
Delbert Jawsalot, Anytown USA
Editor's Note: Just put anonymous if you don't want your real name published.
What comes around goes around...
RM, Grand Rapids Mich
RM, Grand Rapids Mich
Well, my comment is that NASCAR needs to fine Denny Hamlin for not leaving the
track with tire trouble, causing the yellow and giving his "teammate" the opportunity
to get to Jr.'s bumper in the first place, without the yellow flag, Jr. drives away for
the win.
Tommy, Iowa Park, TX
track with tire trouble, causing the yellow and giving his "teammate" the opportunity
to get to Jr.'s bumper in the first place, without the yellow flag, Jr. drives away for
the win.
Tommy, Iowa Park, TX
I notice in the poll above it doesn't say BOTH drivers were racing for the win and
the gloves were off. That's what I'd say.
Bobby FW,Tx.
Editors Note: You're right, better wording. Changed the poll. Thanks.
the gloves were off. That's what I'd say.
Bobby FW,Tx.
Editors Note: You're right, better wording. Changed the poll. Thanks.
It's ok the Jr stuffed Kyle in one of the 2007 Chase races? Jr wasn't in the chase
and Kyle was. It was just good old hard racing!
Ed Attlebor MA
and Kyle was. It was just good old hard racing!
Ed Attlebor MA
If Jr was on the bottom he would have drove the same as Busch did and wrecked
him,RACING IS RACING LET THE BEST MAN WIN!! I'm not a busch fan but the kid
drives like JR'S dad did when he was around remember Terry Labonte, who spun
him out in the last few laps so he could win? LET THEM RACE!!!
ds aurora il
him,RACING IS RACING LET THE BEST MAN WIN!! I'm not a busch fan but the kid
drives like JR'S dad did when he was around remember Terry Labonte, who spun
him out in the last few laps so he could win? LET THEM RACE!!!
ds aurora il
kyle busch is a jackass!!! he better be looking in his rearview mirror the next time jr
is around.
jaw moore, oklahoma
is around.
jaw moore, oklahoma
I like JR and respect Busch for the talent he has (Yes the kid can drive quit
your whining about it!). Sat was racing, nothing more.
S.O. Fresno Ca
your whining about it!). Sat was racing, nothing more.
S.O. Fresno Ca
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has to much Class to bad mouth Kid Kyle. As for the kid
yes he can drive and he knew the car was going to push up the hill. He will get
it some day from some one with no class and he well fall on his @$$.
Bill Beedle Seymour Ct
yes he can drive and he knew the car was going to push up the hill. He will get
it some day from some one with no class and he well fall on his @$$.
Bill Beedle Seymour Ct
It's amazing how last season when Hendrick's was doing all the winning all of
his drivers supposidly got all of the breaks and all of the heat, and now Gibb's
is doing all of the winning and his teams have to take all of the heat. It sounds
like sour grapes, everyone wanted good close short track style bang
everybody racing and now when you get it you want to whine!!!If you can't
stand the heat get out of the kitchen, way to go little Busch YOU ARE THE
MAN.
Grumpy
his drivers supposidly got all of the breaks and all of the heat, and now Gibb's
is doing all of the winning and his teams have to take all of the heat. It sounds
like sour grapes, everyone wanted good close short track style bang
everybody racing and now when you get it you want to whine!!!If you can't
stand the heat get out of the kitchen, way to go little Busch YOU ARE THE
MAN.
Grumpy
Kyle doesn't race to the front, he wrecks to the front. Being a superstar takes
performance and personality. JGR needs to send Kyle to, Social Skills classes.
LM.....Putnam CT
performance and personality. JGR needs to send Kyle to, Social Skills classes.
LM.....Putnam CT
I'm an Earnhardt fan, sucks he didn't win Richmond. Can't say Busch is a bad driver. He was driving his ass off too trying to win. (what he's paid to do BTW)
I'm glad Clint won though, go 07!!
Mike, Guelph Ontario
I'm glad Clint won though, go 07!!
Mike, Guelph Ontario
Kyle Busch gave a great speech about Steven Wallace not being "Mature" in his racing ability and then pulls the same "IMMATURE" racing that he does all
of the time, not only in the Sprint Cup series, but in the Nationwide and Craftsman truck series as well. Unfortunately for any driver that is legitimately
racing against him for position, they will feel the wrath of a "CHILD" when he gets the chance to prove himself so. He might grow up someday, but I am not
holding my breath!
Mike Austin, Texas
of the time, not only in the Sprint Cup series, but in the Nationwide and Craftsman truck series as well. Unfortunately for any driver that is legitimately
racing against him for position, they will feel the wrath of a "CHILD" when he gets the chance to prove himself so. He might grow up someday, but I am not
holding my breath!
Mike Austin, Texas
if you watch this replay enough you
can see that kyle slightly turns up into
Dale Jr. it was however an unfortunate
night. hey we still have 25 races to go
Dale!!!!!!!!!!! Gina R Naugatuck, Ct
can see that kyle slightly turns up into
Dale Jr. it was however an unfortunate
night. hey we still have 25 races to go
Dale!!!!!!!!!!! Gina R Naugatuck, Ct
Kyle is a very talented cup driver. You do not get to that level with some good skills. The problem with Kyle is he has very little Common sense. He has
shown this on a couple of Occasions, pushing the limit of his driving ability and the car. I am a Dale Jr. fan and upset like many others. I don't think like
some others that Kyle did it on purpose. He was just being kinda stupid and pushing the car beyond its capabilities. If it would have been a Matt Kenseth,
Mark Martin or Jeff Burton they would not have wrecked Dale Jr because they understand how to drive a more controlled race and understand the cars
capabilities. Just a shame Dale got caught up in it, but this will continue with Kyle until he can learn some self control on his driving abilities.
Bill, Oceanside Ca.
shown this on a couple of Occasions, pushing the limit of his driving ability and the car. I am a Dale Jr. fan and upset like many others. I don't think like
some others that Kyle did it on purpose. He was just being kinda stupid and pushing the car beyond its capabilities. If it would have been a Matt Kenseth,
Mark Martin or Jeff Burton they would not have wrecked Dale Jr because they understand how to drive a more controlled race and understand the cars
capabilities. Just a shame Dale got caught up in it, but this will continue with Kyle until he can learn some self control on his driving abilities.
Bill, Oceanside Ca.
All the car control didn't pay off for
Rowdy Busch.
jerry ringling okla
Rowdy Busch.
jerry ringling okla
Busch is no beginner. He knew if he over drove the car and it started to wash up he could use Jr's car to regain control. I don't think he cared what would
happen to JR. A win at any cost. On Saturday, during his interview, he made some comment about he would wreck as many cars as it took... to win
Gary, Southbury, Ct
happen to JR. A win at any cost. On Saturday, during his interview, he made some comment about he would wreck as many cars as it took... to win
Gary, Southbury, Ct
Here's the deal ... Kyle Busch entered the turn too fast and couldn't make it stick on the bottom. He basically used Jr's car to keep himself from losing it
and ending up in the wall. Although I don't believe Kyle intentionally wrecked Jr (despite the fact that he turned his front wheels to the right and guided his
car into and through Jr's), I do believe that he could care less for the fact that he did it. If he hadn't wrecked Jr then, I'm sure he would have probably tried
the bump-and-run soon thereafter and loosened Jr up, most likely putting him into the wall at that point. What most people are overlooking is that had it
not been for Kyle's teammate Denny Hamlin purposefully stopping on track in order to bring out the caution, Kyle probably wouldn't have caught up to Jr.
So what about Hamlin's actions? Were they in order to keep himself from going a lap down by pitting under green, or was it done to close up the field and
give Kyle Busch the only chance ! he had of winning the race (other than wrecking Jr.)? I think it was cheap tactics either way, and other than Tony
Stewart, I surely won't be rooting for any Joe Gibbs racer from now on. Go independent Tony before they drag you down too.
Shane Columbus,OH
and ending up in the wall. Although I don't believe Kyle intentionally wrecked Jr (despite the fact that he turned his front wheels to the right and guided his
car into and through Jr's), I do believe that he could care less for the fact that he did it. If he hadn't wrecked Jr then, I'm sure he would have probably tried
the bump-and-run soon thereafter and loosened Jr up, most likely putting him into the wall at that point. What most people are overlooking is that had it
not been for Kyle's teammate Denny Hamlin purposefully stopping on track in order to bring out the caution, Kyle probably wouldn't have caught up to Jr.
So what about Hamlin's actions? Were they in order to keep himself from going a lap down by pitting under green, or was it done to close up the field and
give Kyle Busch the only chance ! he had of winning the race (other than wrecking Jr.)? I think it was cheap tactics either way, and other than Tony
Stewart, I surely won't be rooting for any Joe Gibbs racer from now on. Go independent Tony before they drag you down too.
Shane Columbus,OH
Kyle Busch is not and never will be the new intimidator. He is just a bully. I worry anytime he is anywhere near Dale Jr. If Kyle cant win the race, well
nobody else around him will either. This is not the first time he has spun a leader out, either to get him out of his way or just make sure he doesn't win.
Dale Jr. knows how to drive and this year he is really doing great. His time for a win is very near. He just needs to keep away from drivers like Kyle Busch.
Doloras Watts, Texas
nobody else around him will either. This is not the first time he has spun a leader out, either to get him out of his way or just make sure he doesn't win.
Dale Jr. knows how to drive and this year he is really doing great. His time for a win is very near. He just needs to keep away from drivers like Kyle Busch.
Doloras Watts, Texas
JGR has some house cleaning to do. There is at least one loose cannon driving for them and it isn't Tony Stewart. It seems clear why Kyle Busch was cut
loose from Hendrick. He is a self centered jerk who doesn't care a bit for his competition or his owner's equipment. With guys like Kyle on board, I think I
see why rumors are starting about Tony possibly looking for someplace else to go.
GW, Lubbock, Texas
loose from Hendrick. He is a self centered jerk who doesn't care a bit for his competition or his owner's equipment. With guys like Kyle on board, I think I
see why rumors are starting about Tony possibly looking for someplace else to go.
GW, Lubbock, Texas
The one to blame is Denny Hamlin for intentionally bringing out a caution to let his teammate try to win off a restart. Dale was pulling away and Denny was
mad that his tire was going down after he had the race won. What a surprise another Gibbs driver thinking he and his team should have races handed to
them.
Chris Maumelle Arkansas
mad that his tire was going down after he had the race won. What a surprise another Gibbs driver thinking he and his team should have races handed to
them.
Chris Maumelle Arkansas
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