Reports: Kurt Busch released from Penske Racing
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| Kurt Busch is out at Penske, according to reports. |
Reports are trickling in that Kurt Busch has been released from Penske Racing, according to Jim Utter of the Charlotte Observer, who first broke with the headline: Penske Racing fires Kurt Busch.
While the report has this as a done deal, a secondary report from ESPN states that Penske Racing is meeting on Monday to discuss the matter and will issue a statement afterwards.
This would be the second time in his Cup career that the elder Busch brother has been released from a high-profile team. In November 2005, Busch, the 2004 Cup champion, was fired by Jack Roush and Roush Fenway Racing after an alcohol-related incident in Arizona.
Since joining Penske in 2006, Busch has won 10 races and his highest points finish was 4th, during the 2009 season.
This season, although claiming two wins, the headlines for the No. 22 team been filled with turmoil for Busch. From radio tirades ripping his team, car and even Penske, to verbal assaults on media members, we have seen it all. For a brief rundown of Busch's season-long drama, read: Kurt Busch's rant is part of a pattern. Busch said just last week that he sought counseling from a sports psychologist, but it may be too little too late.
After Busch hurled a profanity-laced tirade at ESPN reporter Dr. Jerry Punch, Penske and sponsor Shell-Pennzoil both issued statements apologizing. Busch also issued a statement saying, "Unfortunately, our result in the season-ending race at Homestead on Sunday was not what we had hoped for as a team. In my frustration with the loss of my transmission early in the race, I let my emotions get the better of me. I regret having done this and apologize to the sponsors of Penske Racing, to NASCAR, its fans, to the media and in particular, Dr. Jerry Punch.” From the looks of it, this apology has fallen on deaf ears.
With just about 12 weeks until Daytona, can Kurt Busch get a ride in the Sprint Cup Series? He is a past champion after all, but has his behavior made him “unmarketable” and “untouchable” to teams and sponsors? Share your thoughts below..
While the report has this as a done deal, a secondary report from ESPN states that Penske Racing is meeting on Monday to discuss the matter and will issue a statement afterwards.
This would be the second time in his Cup career that the elder Busch brother has been released from a high-profile team. In November 2005, Busch, the 2004 Cup champion, was fired by Jack Roush and Roush Fenway Racing after an alcohol-related incident in Arizona.
Since joining Penske in 2006, Busch has won 10 races and his highest points finish was 4th, during the 2009 season.
This season, although claiming two wins, the headlines for the No. 22 team been filled with turmoil for Busch. From radio tirades ripping his team, car and even Penske, to verbal assaults on media members, we have seen it all. For a brief rundown of Busch's season-long drama, read: Kurt Busch's rant is part of a pattern. Busch said just last week that he sought counseling from a sports psychologist, but it may be too little too late.
After Busch hurled a profanity-laced tirade at ESPN reporter Dr. Jerry Punch, Penske and sponsor Shell-Pennzoil both issued statements apologizing. Busch also issued a statement saying, "Unfortunately, our result in the season-ending race at Homestead on Sunday was not what we had hoped for as a team. In my frustration with the loss of my transmission early in the race, I let my emotions get the better of me. I regret having done this and apologize to the sponsors of Penske Racing, to NASCAR, its fans, to the media and in particular, Dr. Jerry Punch.” From the looks of it, this apology has fallen on deaf ears.
With just about 12 weeks until Daytona, can Kurt Busch get a ride in the Sprint Cup Series? He is a past champion after all, but has his behavior made him “unmarketable” and “untouchable” to teams and sponsors? Share your thoughts below..
As this story develops, stay tuned to Skirts and Scuffs for further developments.
Reports: Kurt Busch released from Penske Racing
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Sunday, December 04, 2011
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Sunday, December 04, 2011
Rating:
