The Start of the 2012 season could not come soon enough for Kurt and Kyle Busch. After a great 2011 season, ending with controversy and bad choices, Kurt and Kyle are gearing up for another year of racing.
Kyle will be returning to Joe Gibbs Racing with M&M's and Interstate Batteries as his sponsor. They expect him to be on his best behavior. While I don't expect the feud between he and Kevin Harvick to be over, I do not believe that it will be as intense. No matter what any Busch hater wants to believe Harvick is the instigater in this feud, and it is only continuing on because he wants it to. Does that mean Kyle Busch is completely innocent? No it does not! Kyle did what he had to at Darlington, but still could have handled it alot better. Darlington was a heat of the moment deal, however so to sit there and throw stones, but if you had to, the whole thing could have been avoided if Harvick had not tried to make such a daring pass on Kyle. Then Kyle gets into it with Richard Childress, only this time it wasn't Kyle Busch's fault at all. Richard's reaction to a congradulatory bump to his driver Joey Coulter by Kyle Busch in the first weekend at Kansas during the Truck race was completely uncalled for, but Richard Childress took it the wrong way. He had a deal with Elliott Sadler in the Truck race at Bristol where he and Elliott wrecked and he spun him later in retaliation. Plus to add to the drama, got a speeding ticket while test driving sports cars with Denny Hamlin.
Kyle has been his own worst enemy, but to put 100% of the blame on him is inappropriate. Looking back at one of the Pocono races, I believe it was Pocono race 1, that Kevin Harvick was trying to ram into Kyle and Kyle wanted no part in it. Plus, this whole thing started in Homestead of 2010, when Harvick purposely spun Kyle off the track and into the inside wall, just because he could. NASCAR never did a thing to him.
But now, putting all this aside, Kyle has an opportunity to start anew for 2012. He will return to the wheel of the #18 M&M's Toyota, and also drive his own Nationwide #54 sponsored by Monster Energy, driving 13-15 events, the least amount of races he has ever driven in the Nationwide Series since maybe 2003. Driving Zero Truck races, after the big deal that got him in trouble when he wrecked Ron Hornaday under caution and got parked for the rest of the Texas weekend, instead Jason Leffler will drive the #18 Truck for 14 races and maybe other drivers will take the other 8, unless some more sponsors come to Leffler's aide. Kyle Busch has alot to prove attitude wise, but no one has the right to make him change his passion for racing and his "Rowdy" driving style. People really need to lay off the dude, especially fans of Kevin Harvick, how much crap has this guy pulled? A lot! Kyle is only human, he is going to make mistakes. Sitting there and whining about everything he does will just make it worse. Kyle Busch will definitely try to win the hearts of some fans by racing clean and winning races, but at the same time being himself. Kyle is also going for that illusive successful Chase run, I believe that Kyle's new limitations will help him better focus on his Sprint Cup opperation so he can go win that TITLE!
Also I want to point out that Kyle is INDEED a team player. He took FULL responsibility for all his actions, most notably the incident with Hornaday. While he was parked for Texas, he could have went home and felt sorry for himself, as most people would have predicted he would have done. But he apologized to his team and requested permission to sit on the pit box and watch Michael McDowell struggle with HIS racecar. Kyle earned even more of my respect that day.
Fate has not been as kind to the older Kurt Busch. Kurt, after outbursts about his team at Penske Racing, at Jerry Punch in the Finale at Homestead, and most likely the rudeness to the media members at Richmond, most notably tearing up Jenna Fryer's transcript during the media session following the Richmond race, as if Jenna hadn't put up with enough after being insulted by Tony Stewart earlier that day, where he had multiple incidents with Jimmie Johnson, set for his departure at Penske. I heard rumors that Shell and Penzoil said they would pull all sponsorship if Kurt remained at Penske, not just in NASCAR either, that included IndyCar. So Kurt and Penske had a "mutual" agreement to part ways at the end of the year. Kurt would be replaced by AJ Allmendinger in the 22 car.
"Now let's not be TOO hard on Kurt. He had a bad divorce with his ex-wife Eva, somewhere along the way, and no doubt it affected him in a bad way. Im' not making excuses for the man, he obviously would not like me to do that if I knew him, no one would. But cut the guy some slack! How would you do in this situation?
Kurt's incidents with Jimmie Johnson this season, as it has gone on since 2008. I don't expect that to continue in 2012, because of where he is at. I could be wrong though. But to place 100% of the blame on either driver is inappropriate. I seem to remember last year at Pocono where Jimmie Johnson got into the back of Busch, sending Busch sliding in the grass destroying his car. It wasn't intentional by Jimmie at all, but I would not blame him if he might have been mad either. A wreck is a wreck, accidental or intentional. However, Kurt, as he always does overreacted in the wrong way, most recently at Richmond where both drivers had a wreck fest, which Jimmie got the worst of by the way. I don't expect that to be much of a problem this year as Kurt will have Hendrick engines while driving for a "lesser" team.
Kurt will certainly have time to recover from his bittersweet 2011, while just having fun. He announced that he would continue to drive for points in the Cup series but try to have fun and run the best he can. Kurt's going to make positive changes from this. I believe that both Busch's will learn from each other's mistakes. Kurt will drive for James Finch's Phoenix Racing, in the #51 Chevy. James said he wont fire Kurt and Kurt won't quit. He wont take any crap form him either. Kurt will indeed have fun in the 51 this year, as he might be able to win back the respect he lost from the sponsors and land a better Cup ride for '13. Kurt will also drive the #1 Phoenix Chevy Nwide car in the races that he is not racing in the #54 KBM Toyota(most likely the Daytona race), shared with Kyle Busch. Kurt will definitely be winning some Nationwide races driving for his brother. Both Busch's are optimistic about this new adventure together. Both Busch's pledged to work together in the Daytona races in February to try and win the Great American Race and the Nationwide version as well.
Needless to say both Brothers will be looking for redemption in 2012, especially in the Chase where both finished 11th and 12th after a bad last half of the Chase. Kyle especially needs a good run to happen this year in the Chase because of his Chase struggles thus far in his career. I look for both Busches to be better behaved in 2012, plus having more fun while doing it.
-Newt
The opinion in this blog is based on the writer.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Thursday, June 9, 2011
My take on the "Richard Childress/Kyle Busch fight" By Kyle Newton
Well this news is almost 1 week old and it has already had probably close to a million comments on it. Most of them probably against Kyle Busch. Richard Childress was unhappy with the way he tapped Joey Coulter's #22 Chevrolet Silverado after the Kansas truck race in which both drivers were fighting for the 5th spot on the last lap, Coulter prevailed. Kyle Busch tapped him. Later Richard Childress removed his rings and watch and went to Kyle's hauler and punched him, Kyle got back up and said something to him and Childress punched him a few more times.
Since then Childress has been fined, and put on probation until December 31st, 2011. Kyle Busch recieved no penalty because NASCAR felt he did nothing wrong and they were right. However many of the fans failed to see that or just chose not to. Comments about Kyle being a pansy wuss for letting a 65 year old man beat him up have been sweeping facebook, twitter, NASCAR.com, SceneDaily.com and more..... Others include people saying he deserved it for all of the RCR cars he wrecked. How about all the JGR cars Harvick wrecked in 2010? Should Gibbs slap Harvick upside the face? NO! No one deserves that.
Okay, first. The only RCR car Kyle Busch wrecked was Harvick's at Darlington. Big whoop! Bowyer's was wrecked because he and Harvick decided to go 3 wide with Busch. That was their own fault. Harvick was also not giving Kyle Busch any layaway, but to be fair it was just racing. I personally called Darlington a pay back from Homestead where Harvick intentionally took Kyle Busch out, but again just racing. Kyle did nothing wrong. It's just like the Keselowski and Edwards deal. Everyone blamed Brad Keselowski for all the run ins with Carl Edwards, when in reality, Carl could have avoided all of those run ins. So could Harvick if he would have stayed in his car instead of trying to fight Kyle at Darlington. Kyle made the right choice to stay in his car at Darlington. Jimmy Spencer said the same thing. Kyle's sponsors should also be proud of him for not fighting back with Childress, and with Harvick. And thumbs up to Coulter for telling it like it is.
Yes there is no denying Kyle has caused trouble in the past, but it's the past. COME ON PEOPLE! Kyle has made it obvious he is done playing the bad guy role but the media and other drivers apparently arent done with it. You anti-Busch fans are so shriveled up with hatred for this guy, and for what? What the heck has he ever done to you? NOTHING. But you take every offence to every little thing he does. He could copy Tony Stewart as a joke and walk down pit road with a pizza and people would still complain. Sometimes he gets booed just for being on the TV. That sucks that people feel the need to vent all their hate on one human being. He may be "Kyle Busch" but he has feelings and he looks at what people say on facebook and twitter, every driver does. I bet this kills him sometimes. He is a bad boy reputated kind of a guy but he also has a soft side. I believe that marrying Samantha has changed him, running KBM has changed him. I even read that he is reading the Bible. Good for Kyle.
Jimmy Spencer made comments on this very situation. I know what you are thinking. What about the deal with Kyle's brother Kurt a few years ago? Jimmy Spencer was suspended for punching Kurt Busch, he said Childress got off too easy. However he said if he could go back to the deal with Kurt, he never would have punched him, he also said Kurt learned from that incident, but he learned alot more.
It's easy to throw stones at someone you dont like. I know I have drivers I dont like, but I dont go near as far as alot of people do. I hate reading comments hating on other drivers. I used to be a basher, but I have tried not to complain about the drivers I dislike. Hate is a strong word but some people feel that way and that sucks.
As for Childress and Busch, Kyle says the fine was the end of it for him. It's not his fight anymore. I think RC might agree. I still have respect for Richard, and I hope this helps him, just like it helped Jimmy Spencer. I think Richard will have a long time to think about this. To be honest I was shocked to hear about this when it was first let out. I thought it was a joke. But all joking aside, this is a serious deal, but has been dealt with properly, and I applaud NASCAR for making that call.
Looking forward to the rest of the 2011 season!
Since then Childress has been fined, and put on probation until December 31st, 2011. Kyle Busch recieved no penalty because NASCAR felt he did nothing wrong and they were right. However many of the fans failed to see that or just chose not to. Comments about Kyle being a pansy wuss for letting a 65 year old man beat him up have been sweeping facebook, twitter, NASCAR.com, SceneDaily.com and more..... Others include people saying he deserved it for all of the RCR cars he wrecked. How about all the JGR cars Harvick wrecked in 2010? Should Gibbs slap Harvick upside the face? NO! No one deserves that.
Okay, first. The only RCR car Kyle Busch wrecked was Harvick's at Darlington. Big whoop! Bowyer's was wrecked because he and Harvick decided to go 3 wide with Busch. That was their own fault. Harvick was also not giving Kyle Busch any layaway, but to be fair it was just racing. I personally called Darlington a pay back from Homestead where Harvick intentionally took Kyle Busch out, but again just racing. Kyle did nothing wrong. It's just like the Keselowski and Edwards deal. Everyone blamed Brad Keselowski for all the run ins with Carl Edwards, when in reality, Carl could have avoided all of those run ins. So could Harvick if he would have stayed in his car instead of trying to fight Kyle at Darlington. Kyle made the right choice to stay in his car at Darlington. Jimmy Spencer said the same thing. Kyle's sponsors should also be proud of him for not fighting back with Childress, and with Harvick. And thumbs up to Coulter for telling it like it is.
Yes there is no denying Kyle has caused trouble in the past, but it's the past. COME ON PEOPLE! Kyle has made it obvious he is done playing the bad guy role but the media and other drivers apparently arent done with it. You anti-Busch fans are so shriveled up with hatred for this guy, and for what? What the heck has he ever done to you? NOTHING. But you take every offence to every little thing he does. He could copy Tony Stewart as a joke and walk down pit road with a pizza and people would still complain. Sometimes he gets booed just for being on the TV. That sucks that people feel the need to vent all their hate on one human being. He may be "Kyle Busch" but he has feelings and he looks at what people say on facebook and twitter, every driver does. I bet this kills him sometimes. He is a bad boy reputated kind of a guy but he also has a soft side. I believe that marrying Samantha has changed him, running KBM has changed him. I even read that he is reading the Bible. Good for Kyle.
Jimmy Spencer made comments on this very situation. I know what you are thinking. What about the deal with Kyle's brother Kurt a few years ago? Jimmy Spencer was suspended for punching Kurt Busch, he said Childress got off too easy. However he said if he could go back to the deal with Kurt, he never would have punched him, he also said Kurt learned from that incident, but he learned alot more.
It's easy to throw stones at someone you dont like. I know I have drivers I dont like, but I dont go near as far as alot of people do. I hate reading comments hating on other drivers. I used to be a basher, but I have tried not to complain about the drivers I dislike. Hate is a strong word but some people feel that way and that sucks.
As for Childress and Busch, Kyle says the fine was the end of it for him. It's not his fight anymore. I think RC might agree. I still have respect for Richard, and I hope this helps him, just like it helped Jimmy Spencer. I think Richard will have a long time to think about this. To be honest I was shocked to hear about this when it was first let out. I thought it was a joke. But all joking aside, this is a serious deal, but has been dealt with properly, and I applaud NASCAR for making that call.
Looking forward to the rest of the 2011 season!
Friday, February 11, 2011
The 2011 Shootout at Daytona
The 2011 Daytona Shootout. Probably the most anticipated Shootout in the history of Shootouts. Why? Because it's the kickstart to the 2011 NASCAR Season of course. No there arent any points involved, but there is a big fat Check in it for the winner.
Who are the favorites you might ask? Glad you did.
Top 10 Favorites:
10.Denny Hamlin-Not a winner in a points paying event at Daytona, but a stout Plate racer with something to win. He won this race as a rookie in 2006, and went on to finish 3rd in points that year, higher than Tony Stewart's Rookie season ranking(4th). Look for Denny to be there at the end. Also has a Gatorade Duel under his belt.
9.Carl Edwards-No wins to speak of, but 2 back to back 2nd place finishes in the Daytona 300, as I call it, the Nationwide opener, in 2009 and 2010. Both of those to Tony Stewart.
8.Kasey Kahne-Not a lot of notable success here. But he has had his good moments in Plate racing. Such as a 2nd place finish in the 2010 Shootout, Win in the Gatorade Duels, and a 2nd place finish in the Coke Zero 400. Kahne is trying to break his silence in the Shootout, and regular Daytona races, so look out for him. He will have his future teammates to help him out, but his current Red Bull Racing teammate, Brian Vickers wasnt eligable. We shall see how Kahne and his Red Bull team will do.
7.Jeff Gordon-Id say Jeff is a better pick than 7th, but his performance lately in Plate racing hasnt been all that good. His best of 2010 was 3rd at the CokeZero 400. But look for Jeff to be more consistant in 2011, starting with a very possible win in the Shootout.
6.Michael Waltrip-Most of his career wins are at Daytona, more like half. But you cant deny he is a good Plate racer. Look for Mikey to make some noise in the #15 NAPA Toyota. #15 is a tribute to Dale Earnhardt, because #15 is the # he drove while with DEI(Dale Earnhardt Incorperated)
5.Matt Kenseth-Matt has been pretty stout at Daytona. Didnt make too much noise in the Shootout last year, but expect the Purple car to get a little bit rowdy in the Shootout. He has the 2009 Daytona 500 under his belt.
4.Kyle Busch-Speaking of Rowdy, Kyle Busch is a clear favorite to win the Shootout. As long as he doesnt get too agressive or get too cocky. He has a Coke Zero 400 under his belt. No doubt if he wins, fans will whine and complain, but to me personally, it wouldnt bother me one bit.
3.Tony Stewart- Always a favorite to win, especially at Daytona. Smoke has several Daytona wins under his belt, including being a Shootout winner. Tony will undoubtedly be there at the end.
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr.- Face the facts, Jr's best tracks are Talladega and Daytona. And you can bet he will be there to race the field to the win in this years Shootout. If he wins this year, it will be not only a confidence booster for him, but for Steve Letarte who moves over from Jeff Gordon this year. Look for Jr to win the race. He beat Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson last year.
1. Kevin Harvick- A clear favorite to win. WHY? Because he is the last winner there. If he goes to Victory Lane tomorrow, he will have won 3 in a row! Not only would that be great for Harvick but for RCR, and Childress. After ECR Engines dominated the Plate Race last year, that would get the other teams scrambling. Not to mention he has the Budwieser Sponsorship for 2011, which also sponsors the Shootout. Kahne was close to winning with them last year, but got shut out by Harvick. Look for the RCR cars to be strong.
Notables:
Jamie McMurray-Very well should have made the top ten, he will be back to win some races in 2011. The Shootout could be calling his name. The 2010 Daytona 500 winner is up for the Challenge. Wouldnt be a bit surprised if his McDonald's/Bass Pro Chevy graced victory lane.
Kurt Busch: He is one to look out for. Dont under estimate the power of the Penske engines. Much like his brother, if he doesnt let his agressive driving beat him, he will be there at the end.
Joey Logano-Has yet to get it done at Daytona, but look for him to get it down fast. He had a great 2010 season. If he doesnt do well tomorrow, he shouldnt let it get to him. The Daytona 500 is the race he should really pay attention too.
Clint Bowyer-The team that could have won the Championship in 2010, could do something in the Shootout. Never count out a RCR car. He has a won the 2009 Summer Daytona Nationwide race.
Gregg Biffle-Dont let the 2010 Shootout wreck that involved him and all his Roush teammates fool you. Da Biff is underrated, and looks to continue winning. He won the Coke Zero 400 in 2003, when it was called the Pepsi 400.
Jeff Burton- Crazy last 2 years for "The Mayor", a win in the Shootout would be just the medicine for Jeff Burton and his #31 crew.
Mark Martin- Plate racing rarely goes good for this guy, but look for him to be there in the end.
Ryan Newman- The 2008 Daytona 500 winner is going to give it his best shot. Smoke will be there to help him out, and he will be there to help him out.
Jimmie Johnson- I dont know what would happen if Jimmie went to Victory Lane. Some tears of pain and tears of joy would be shed. Jimmie's last good shootout was 2008' when he and Tony kept nipping at Dale Jr's heels for the win.
I expect a lot of 2 car draftings to be going on. Anyone of these guys could take that chance. Harvick could make a big statement by winning this year, or someone who has something to prove could win. All I know is, get geared up for a fantastic show. No matter who wins this thing it's going to be huge! Nothing could prepare us better for the Daytona 500.
Also we are nearing the 10th Anniversery of the day we lost one of our greatest heroes in racing, Dale Earnhardt Sr, who had a few of these Shootouts under his belt. Dale was one of the best drivers to ever step foot in a racecar.
I am looking forward to this racing season.
BOOGETY BOOGETY BOOGETY! LET'S GO RACING BOYS!
-Newt
Who are the favorites you might ask? Glad you did.
Top 10 Favorites:
10.Denny Hamlin-Not a winner in a points paying event at Daytona, but a stout Plate racer with something to win. He won this race as a rookie in 2006, and went on to finish 3rd in points that year, higher than Tony Stewart's Rookie season ranking(4th). Look for Denny to be there at the end. Also has a Gatorade Duel under his belt.
9.Carl Edwards-No wins to speak of, but 2 back to back 2nd place finishes in the Daytona 300, as I call it, the Nationwide opener, in 2009 and 2010. Both of those to Tony Stewart.
8.Kasey Kahne-Not a lot of notable success here. But he has had his good moments in Plate racing. Such as a 2nd place finish in the 2010 Shootout, Win in the Gatorade Duels, and a 2nd place finish in the Coke Zero 400. Kahne is trying to break his silence in the Shootout, and regular Daytona races, so look out for him. He will have his future teammates to help him out, but his current Red Bull Racing teammate, Brian Vickers wasnt eligable. We shall see how Kahne and his Red Bull team will do.
7.Jeff Gordon-Id say Jeff is a better pick than 7th, but his performance lately in Plate racing hasnt been all that good. His best of 2010 was 3rd at the CokeZero 400. But look for Jeff to be more consistant in 2011, starting with a very possible win in the Shootout.
6.Michael Waltrip-Most of his career wins are at Daytona, more like half. But you cant deny he is a good Plate racer. Look for Mikey to make some noise in the #15 NAPA Toyota. #15 is a tribute to Dale Earnhardt, because #15 is the # he drove while with DEI(Dale Earnhardt Incorperated)
5.Matt Kenseth-Matt has been pretty stout at Daytona. Didnt make too much noise in the Shootout last year, but expect the Purple car to get a little bit rowdy in the Shootout. He has the 2009 Daytona 500 under his belt.
4.Kyle Busch-Speaking of Rowdy, Kyle Busch is a clear favorite to win the Shootout. As long as he doesnt get too agressive or get too cocky. He has a Coke Zero 400 under his belt. No doubt if he wins, fans will whine and complain, but to me personally, it wouldnt bother me one bit.
3.Tony Stewart- Always a favorite to win, especially at Daytona. Smoke has several Daytona wins under his belt, including being a Shootout winner. Tony will undoubtedly be there at the end.
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr.- Face the facts, Jr's best tracks are Talladega and Daytona. And you can bet he will be there to race the field to the win in this years Shootout. If he wins this year, it will be not only a confidence booster for him, but for Steve Letarte who moves over from Jeff Gordon this year. Look for Jr to win the race. He beat Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson last year.
1. Kevin Harvick- A clear favorite to win. WHY? Because he is the last winner there. If he goes to Victory Lane tomorrow, he will have won 3 in a row! Not only would that be great for Harvick but for RCR, and Childress. After ECR Engines dominated the Plate Race last year, that would get the other teams scrambling. Not to mention he has the Budwieser Sponsorship for 2011, which also sponsors the Shootout. Kahne was close to winning with them last year, but got shut out by Harvick. Look for the RCR cars to be strong.
Notables:
Jamie McMurray-Very well should have made the top ten, he will be back to win some races in 2011. The Shootout could be calling his name. The 2010 Daytona 500 winner is up for the Challenge. Wouldnt be a bit surprised if his McDonald's/Bass Pro Chevy graced victory lane.
Kurt Busch: He is one to look out for. Dont under estimate the power of the Penske engines. Much like his brother, if he doesnt let his agressive driving beat him, he will be there at the end.
Joey Logano-Has yet to get it done at Daytona, but look for him to get it down fast. He had a great 2010 season. If he doesnt do well tomorrow, he shouldnt let it get to him. The Daytona 500 is the race he should really pay attention too.
Clint Bowyer-The team that could have won the Championship in 2010, could do something in the Shootout. Never count out a RCR car. He has a won the 2009 Summer Daytona Nationwide race.
Gregg Biffle-Dont let the 2010 Shootout wreck that involved him and all his Roush teammates fool you. Da Biff is underrated, and looks to continue winning. He won the Coke Zero 400 in 2003, when it was called the Pepsi 400.
Jeff Burton- Crazy last 2 years for "The Mayor", a win in the Shootout would be just the medicine for Jeff Burton and his #31 crew.
Mark Martin- Plate racing rarely goes good for this guy, but look for him to be there in the end.
Ryan Newman- The 2008 Daytona 500 winner is going to give it his best shot. Smoke will be there to help him out, and he will be there to help him out.
Jimmie Johnson- I dont know what would happen if Jimmie went to Victory Lane. Some tears of pain and tears of joy would be shed. Jimmie's last good shootout was 2008' when he and Tony kept nipping at Dale Jr's heels for the win.
I expect a lot of 2 car draftings to be going on. Anyone of these guys could take that chance. Harvick could make a big statement by winning this year, or someone who has something to prove could win. All I know is, get geared up for a fantastic show. No matter who wins this thing it's going to be huge! Nothing could prepare us better for the Daytona 500.
Also we are nearing the 10th Anniversery of the day we lost one of our greatest heroes in racing, Dale Earnhardt Sr, who had a few of these Shootouts under his belt. Dale was one of the best drivers to ever step foot in a racecar.
I am looking forward to this racing season.
BOOGETY BOOGETY BOOGETY! LET'S GO RACING BOYS!
-Newt
Monday, January 31, 2011
What do I do on my off season from NASCAR? Glad you asked.
The off season is sooooooooo boring!
So I hold out by having the most fun I can. Now I work and have a job, and believe it or not, it has helped speed up the process as far as how long the day feels.
But mostly to get rid of the craving for racing I make NASCAR pics on cheezburger.com or Race on NASCAR games.
I also tune in to Jayski every once in a while to see what is up with the offseason changes. Looking forward to the 2011 NASCAR season, which will be the 63rd season for the Cup series.
Hoping my drivers: Kahne, Kyle Busch, Logano, Keselowski, Hamlin, J Gordon, Stewart, and McMurray have good years. Im also looking forward to 2011 Nationwide Series, where I hope either Reed Sorenson or Justin Allgaier will win.
Boogety Boogety Boogety! Let's Go Racing Boys...and Danica, Jen Jo Cobb, and Johanna Long!
-Kyle Newton
So I hold out by having the most fun I can. Now I work and have a job, and believe it or not, it has helped speed up the process as far as how long the day feels.
But mostly to get rid of the craving for racing I make NASCAR pics on cheezburger.com or Race on NASCAR games.
I also tune in to Jayski every once in a while to see what is up with the offseason changes. Looking forward to the 2011 NASCAR season, which will be the 63rd season for the Cup series.
Hoping my drivers: Kahne, Kyle Busch, Logano, Keselowski, Hamlin, J Gordon, Stewart, and McMurray have good years. Im also looking forward to 2011 Nationwide Series, where I hope either Reed Sorenson or Justin Allgaier will win.
Boogety Boogety Boogety! Let's Go Racing Boys...and Danica, Jen Jo Cobb, and Johanna Long!
-Kyle Newton
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Why Kasey Kahne is my favorite driver and what I think he is capable of achieving in his career.
My favorite NASCAR driver is Kasey Kahne. But he wasnt always. Before I got really involved in watching the sport, I always liked Jeff Gordon. To me Jeff Gordon was the man. And I still like Jeff really well. He is a good guy. But once I really started watching NASCAR, I found other drivers I liked more, such as Kahne, Kyle Busch, Joey Logano and others. But I'm going to tell you why Kasey Kahne is my driver of choice.
2006: My interest in Kahne had already developed after I had purchased his 2006 Mopar paint job, or maybe it was 2005, but in any case I liked Dodge and Mopar and Kasey had the scheme so I kinda took a liking to him and Jeff Gordon. Not knowing how good of person or driver he really was. He had won the 2006 Lowe's(Now called Charlotte) Motorspeedway race in October, repeating his performance from May. I always liked Kahne.
2007: I was still a strong Jeff fan and admittedly a huge Tony Stewart disliker, but late in the season he started to grow on me. I've liked Tony ever since. Soon it was the Bristol race in the fall, Kasey had yet to win a race in 2007. He had dominated the event. But when Michael Waltrip blocked to keep from going a lap down, Kasey lost the lead to Carl Edwards, who at the time I didnt like just because he drove a Roush car. But anyway, Kasey wound up second, but after seeing him struggle most of the season, I began to see the potential in him. Looking further into his stats and other things, and posts on Scene Daily I found out how much of a nice guy Kahne was. I knew then, Kahne was my guy and I will stick with him until he retires. No I didnt jump off the Jeff Gordon bandwagon at all. I still like Mr Gordon a lot. Kahne finished 2007 with zero wins. That incident with the security guard was complete bull crud.
2008: The healing came for Kahne as he had a good season, went up as high as 4th in points at the beginning of the season. Finally winning races, he won the non points paying race, The AllStar Race. A week later he backed it up with a win in the Coca Cola 600. 2 weeks later he won at Pocono. He never won after that. And could have made the chase had it not been for a blown engine and a wreck caused by Kasey Mears and Michael Waltrip in the race he had dominated in 2007. At the fall Charlotte race, Kasey almost had the victory and would have become the first person to sweep all 3 Charlotte races. But Jeff Burton beat him. Im ok with Jeff Burton doing it though. I figured if anyone would beat him, Id rather it be Jeff Burton than Kurt Busch who finished 3rd. He finished out the season with a 6th place finish at Homestead.
2009 was a great year for Kasey. Only 2 wins, but those 2 wins came when it mattered. He won his first and so far only Road Course race at Infineon Raceway, setting up a big Chase Berth run. He had a great run going after that...He got a lot of top 5s. Including a good finish of 3rd at Chicago, a track where he has struggled at in the past. Kahne went to Bristol and struggled with a loose handling car and had a big disapoint finish of 28th... that would have messed up his Chase run had not the win at Atlanta 2 weeks later happened. He moved from 11th to 6th in points and after Richmond made the Chase and was seeded 5th. I saw this a good opportunity.... until something happened. A BLOWN ENGINE in the first race of the Chase! I was so ticked! He had some good runs after that, but getting into other peoples crashes ruined his Chase hopes. A 3rd place finish at Lowe's and a 2nd at Talladega highlighted his 2009 Chase. But oh well, he finished 10th in points which earned him a spot to give a speach in the 2009 Banquet. Overall, not a bad year for Kasey.
2010 was a nightmare. Started out promising. 2nd place in the Bud Shootout, winning Gatorade Duel #2, and getting a 4th place start in the Daytona 500 by virtue of this win. Only to crash out with about 20 to go or so. After that Kahne's 2010 season began to look lost. A 9th place finish at Las Vegas and a 4th at Atlanta, after dominating and losing it to the likes of Kurt Busch, highlighted the first half. And if his luck in Cup wasnt bad enough, in almost every Nationwide race he ran in he crashed out or had a mechanical problem. Only 2 Nationwide races went right for Kahne. The Daytona race where he finished 9th, and the Darlington where he finished 4th. Cup was a little better to him. He had a good string of Top 5s going in the summer. However it quickly fell to a hault after Chicago where he finished 6th. Early in the season it was announced he would go to Hendrick Motorsports in 2012, with no idea of a 2011 ride. In August it was announced that Red Bull Racing Team would be his team in 2011. Kahne could now breathe easy and focus on the rest of the season. In June he dominated another race, only to have a blown engine and get betrayed by a teammate, Paul Menard wouldnt let Kahne pass, but let Kyle Busch get by and pass Kasey for the lead while trying not to go a lap down to Kahne. That really ticked me off. At Pocono a couple races before, AJ Allmendinger blocked Kahne from making a pass on the last lap and sent Kasey airborne into the fence and almost landed in the woods. So yeah, his teammates kind of betrayed him. People say that Kasey betrayed Ford, but we all anticipated Kahne's departure even before the 2010 season began. RPM just wasnt doing their jobs right. The Gilletts may have kept it alive but they also ruined it. More blown engines in 2010, more for Kasey no less, than any year, unless you count 2007. After the Charlotte Race in the Fall, where Kahne's breaks just quit all of a sudden. Kahne had enough. He and RPM worked it out and decided it was best to move on, but not any bad blood towards each other at all. Kahne said he hopes they win races in 2011. Another thing in 2010 that really made me happy was after getting wrecked by a stupid move by Kurt Busch, on his birthday no less, Kasey greeted the media with a smile and said it was ok. What a trooper. He left RPM for Red Bull Racing with 5 races remaining in 2010, and showed promise in each race, except for the Phoenix race, which I think Phoenix dont like him for some stupid reason, but anyway. Kahne's potetial started to show again after a Pole at Homestead and contending for the Lead in the first part of the race. Kahne went on to finish 6th. Ending a dissapointing year, but has a new promising year ahead with RedBull Racing!
2011 and Beyond: Kasey Kahne will drive the #4 Red Bull Blue Toyota in 2011 until he takes over the 5 car in 2012. I expect a lot from Kasey and the 4 car, especially since Kasey's proven winner of a Crew Chief Kenny Francis will follow Kasey to Red Bull. Budwieser was good sponsor and all for Kasey(2008-2010), but I like the fact he wont be driving a beer car. I belive Kasey will win a minimum of 3 races in 2011. I also belive he will contend for a Championship. Now that he is gone from RPM, Kasey's struggling days are hopefully finally over. I am looking forward to the 2011 season.
Kahne has Character, and commitment and never says a bad thing about a Competitor or fellow workers. Kahne is my choice as a driver because he has a lot of potential and a good attitude.
Thanks for Reading,
NASCAR Newt.
2006: My interest in Kahne had already developed after I had purchased his 2006 Mopar paint job, or maybe it was 2005, but in any case I liked Dodge and Mopar and Kasey had the scheme so I kinda took a liking to him and Jeff Gordon. Not knowing how good of person or driver he really was. He had won the 2006 Lowe's(Now called Charlotte) Motorspeedway race in October, repeating his performance from May. I always liked Kahne.
2007: I was still a strong Jeff fan and admittedly a huge Tony Stewart disliker, but late in the season he started to grow on me. I've liked Tony ever since. Soon it was the Bristol race in the fall, Kasey had yet to win a race in 2007. He had dominated the event. But when Michael Waltrip blocked to keep from going a lap down, Kasey lost the lead to Carl Edwards, who at the time I didnt like just because he drove a Roush car. But anyway, Kasey wound up second, but after seeing him struggle most of the season, I began to see the potential in him. Looking further into his stats and other things, and posts on Scene Daily I found out how much of a nice guy Kahne was. I knew then, Kahne was my guy and I will stick with him until he retires. No I didnt jump off the Jeff Gordon bandwagon at all. I still like Mr Gordon a lot. Kahne finished 2007 with zero wins. That incident with the security guard was complete bull crud.
2008: The healing came for Kahne as he had a good season, went up as high as 4th in points at the beginning of the season. Finally winning races, he won the non points paying race, The AllStar Race. A week later he backed it up with a win in the Coca Cola 600. 2 weeks later he won at Pocono. He never won after that. And could have made the chase had it not been for a blown engine and a wreck caused by Kasey Mears and Michael Waltrip in the race he had dominated in 2007. At the fall Charlotte race, Kasey almost had the victory and would have become the first person to sweep all 3 Charlotte races. But Jeff Burton beat him. Im ok with Jeff Burton doing it though. I figured if anyone would beat him, Id rather it be Jeff Burton than Kurt Busch who finished 3rd. He finished out the season with a 6th place finish at Homestead.
2009 was a great year for Kasey. Only 2 wins, but those 2 wins came when it mattered. He won his first and so far only Road Course race at Infineon Raceway, setting up a big Chase Berth run. He had a great run going after that...He got a lot of top 5s. Including a good finish of 3rd at Chicago, a track where he has struggled at in the past. Kahne went to Bristol and struggled with a loose handling car and had a big disapoint finish of 28th... that would have messed up his Chase run had not the win at Atlanta 2 weeks later happened. He moved from 11th to 6th in points and after Richmond made the Chase and was seeded 5th. I saw this a good opportunity.... until something happened. A BLOWN ENGINE in the first race of the Chase! I was so ticked! He had some good runs after that, but getting into other peoples crashes ruined his Chase hopes. A 3rd place finish at Lowe's and a 2nd at Talladega highlighted his 2009 Chase. But oh well, he finished 10th in points which earned him a spot to give a speach in the 2009 Banquet. Overall, not a bad year for Kasey.
2010 was a nightmare. Started out promising. 2nd place in the Bud Shootout, winning Gatorade Duel #2, and getting a 4th place start in the Daytona 500 by virtue of this win. Only to crash out with about 20 to go or so. After that Kahne's 2010 season began to look lost. A 9th place finish at Las Vegas and a 4th at Atlanta, after dominating and losing it to the likes of Kurt Busch, highlighted the first half. And if his luck in Cup wasnt bad enough, in almost every Nationwide race he ran in he crashed out or had a mechanical problem. Only 2 Nationwide races went right for Kahne. The Daytona race where he finished 9th, and the Darlington where he finished 4th. Cup was a little better to him. He had a good string of Top 5s going in the summer. However it quickly fell to a hault after Chicago where he finished 6th. Early in the season it was announced he would go to Hendrick Motorsports in 2012, with no idea of a 2011 ride. In August it was announced that Red Bull Racing Team would be his team in 2011. Kahne could now breathe easy and focus on the rest of the season. In June he dominated another race, only to have a blown engine and get betrayed by a teammate, Paul Menard wouldnt let Kahne pass, but let Kyle Busch get by and pass Kasey for the lead while trying not to go a lap down to Kahne. That really ticked me off. At Pocono a couple races before, AJ Allmendinger blocked Kahne from making a pass on the last lap and sent Kasey airborne into the fence and almost landed in the woods. So yeah, his teammates kind of betrayed him. People say that Kasey betrayed Ford, but we all anticipated Kahne's departure even before the 2010 season began. RPM just wasnt doing their jobs right. The Gilletts may have kept it alive but they also ruined it. More blown engines in 2010, more for Kasey no less, than any year, unless you count 2007. After the Charlotte Race in the Fall, where Kahne's breaks just quit all of a sudden. Kahne had enough. He and RPM worked it out and decided it was best to move on, but not any bad blood towards each other at all. Kahne said he hopes they win races in 2011. Another thing in 2010 that really made me happy was after getting wrecked by a stupid move by Kurt Busch, on his birthday no less, Kasey greeted the media with a smile and said it was ok. What a trooper. He left RPM for Red Bull Racing with 5 races remaining in 2010, and showed promise in each race, except for the Phoenix race, which I think Phoenix dont like him for some stupid reason, but anyway. Kahne's potetial started to show again after a Pole at Homestead and contending for the Lead in the first part of the race. Kahne went on to finish 6th. Ending a dissapointing year, but has a new promising year ahead with RedBull Racing!
2011 and Beyond: Kasey Kahne will drive the #4 Red Bull Blue Toyota in 2011 until he takes over the 5 car in 2012. I expect a lot from Kasey and the 4 car, especially since Kasey's proven winner of a Crew Chief Kenny Francis will follow Kasey to Red Bull. Budwieser was good sponsor and all for Kasey(2008-2010), but I like the fact he wont be driving a beer car. I belive Kasey will win a minimum of 3 races in 2011. I also belive he will contend for a Championship. Now that he is gone from RPM, Kasey's struggling days are hopefully finally over. I am looking forward to the 2011 season.
Kahne has Character, and commitment and never says a bad thing about a Competitor or fellow workers. Kahne is my choice as a driver because he has a lot of potential and a good attitude.
Thanks for Reading,
NASCAR Newt.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)