CONCORD, N.C.
Kyle Busch was greeted with a mix of cheers and smirks by a group of fans at Charlotte Motor Speedway this week. It’s become routine.
There is just no middle ground with Busch, and that’s what makes the Las Vegas native the most compelling figure in NASCAR.
Four-time defending Sprint Cup series champion Jimmie Johnson has been praised for his consistency. Fifty-one-year-old Mark Martin has earned admiration for his tenacity. And Dale Earnhardt Jr. has attracted legions of fans for his humility.
At least for now, none of those drivers can generate interest like Busch.
Following the lead of fearless auto racing pioneers such as Curtis Turner and A.J. Foyt, Busch takes a wrecker-or-checker approach to every event. It’s refreshing and much needed in a game reeling from declining ratings, empty seats and financial woes.
With the advent of the 10-race Chase for the Sprint Cup championship, too many drivers have opted to coast during the regular season in hopes of securing a spot into the Chase. That’s been one of the biggest criticisms of Johnson’s historic title run.
Martin, the ultimate gentleman, often pulls over on the track to let faster cars make passes. And Earnhardt, who was oddly subdued during a press gathering Wednesday, seems unwilling to make the sacrifices necessary of a champion.
Then there is Busch, who fits the definition of a hard racer. Busch wants to win so bad that he becomes his own worst enemy with emotional outbursts and overaggressive driving. Hate him or love him, there is no turning away from NASCAR’s version of a pro wrestling heel.
Busch can make his media handlers cringe and crew chief sweat, but that’s part of the package. As for winning the hearts and pocketbooks of middle America, Busch doesn’t seem overly concerned.
“My biggest fan base, I guess, is from the people that like the raw racer,” said Busch, during the NASCAR Media Tour hosted by Lowe’s Motor Speedway. “They like the guy who wants to go out for wins. He doesn’t settle for the finishes. He doesn’t take losing easily. That kind of stuff.”
Every sport, especially one so personality-based as NASCAR, needs a tough-talking dude who is not afraid to don the black hat and challenge all comers.
Busch not only challenges fellow drivers, but he pushes pushes his crew and himself to extremes.
In the Busch world, there is simply no solace in second place.
“The fans that don’t like that, obviously are the ones that say I whine too much or I complain or I should live my life better or don’t live it good enough,” Busch said. “I have no problem living my life the way I live it - I just want to win. There is nothing wrong with wanting to win.”
Amen, brother.
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