Moments after winning Wednesday’s O’Reilly 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, Kyle Busch cupped a hand to his ear to determine the fan response.
The reaction from the Bristol Motor Speedway stands was decidedly mixed. And that’s news.
Earlier this season, Busch was among the most hated men in sports. In fact, the reaction to the 23-year-old Las Vegas native was downright vicious in pre-race introductions and post-race celebrations.
It’s been a gradual process, yet Busch seems to be earning fans and respect with each bold move, dramatic victory and smoky burnout. His shirts are selling and his fanclub is growing.
In recent years, fans have expressed growing frustration with millionaire drivers who curiously seem reluctant to force the action or bang bumpers. Can you say Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, or maybe even Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
Busch is anything but reluctant. Maybe it’s because he hasn’t experienced the kind of wreck that creates nightmares and hesitation, but Busch goes hard every turn and lap.
That extra effort is resulted in a record 17 wins across the top three series of NASCAR.
Sure, the horsepower of Toyota is a factor. This story goes much deeper, however.
Judging from his dominant performance Wednesday, fans should not beat against Busch pulling off an historic sweep of the truck, Nationwide and Sprint Cup races this weekend at BMS.
Whether it’s his aggressive “no-brakes” driving style, his mental toughness or raw talent, Busch has become a demon on every track configuration. And consider that he is basically leading the Toyota charge by himself.
And to the obvious horror of the Busch detractors, the driver fans love to hate is actually feeding off the boos, crude hand gestures and nasty homemade signs.
He may not come close to fitting the stereotype of a rugged southern-bred racer in the Cale Yarborough or Junior Johnson mold, but Busch is still kicking butt and enjoying it.
Call him brash, rude or a demon seed if you want, Busch is a winner. Contrary to the image of some fans, Busch also finds the time to regularly contribute to homes for abused, abandoned and neglected kids through his Kyle Busch Foundation.
Stay tuned NASCAR fans, the Kyle Show has only begun and it may get a lot more interesting this weekend.
agregory@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2544.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement