Busch steps aside to allow other drivers a chance to shine

Busch steps away from driving the KBM truck, handing the duties over
to Jason Leffler.  Credit: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images for NASCAR

If you were expecting to see Kyle Busch behind the wheel of the No. 18 Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series this season, it’s time to find another driver to have a love/hate relationship with.

Busch said on Monday that he’s not planning to run any NCWTS races in 2012. He’s instead leaving the ride in the hands of Jason Leffler who moves over from the Nationwide Series. Busch’s plan is to make Kyle Busch Motorsports sustainable to the point that he doesn’t have to climb behind the wheel every week.

Don’t worry folks; you’ll still get to see “Rowdy” behind the wheel in 15 Nationwide races. Sharing the seat with older brother Kurt, Kyle said, “This is definitely a year for excitement both for myself and my brother, but also a year for growth on the Nationwide side and to also translate some of that into our cup teams as well.”

As for what Monster has told the two drivers about staying out of trouble, Kyle remarked that the company hasn’t said anything, “Because frankly I don’t think they care.” That’s a good sign for the young team and the two most temperamental drivers in the garage.

And just what does Coach Gibbs think about this deal? According to him he didn’t have any say in the decision.