[LSC9901]

BROOKLYN, Mich. -- Kyle Busch says his previous agent hampered negotiations to keep him at Hendrick Motorsports.



Kyle Busch the 22-year-old driver said on Friday that Alan Miller kept him in the dark about many things during talks to sign an extension beyond next season and that he was surprised initially to learn Dale Earnhardt Jr. had been signed to replace him.

Among the things was the number of other organizations expressing an interest in Busch, which team owner Rick Hendrick said had a negative impact on discussions.
"My previous representation didn't inform me that he was getting calls," Busch said before practice at Michigan International Speedway. "Then I guess that was opened up to Hendrick Motorsports. They sort of got upset.
"Do I feel I got pushed out? No, for the way negotiations were going -- wasn't going well, then it was, then it wasn't again -- I think I could do better somewhere else. That's the way we felt," he said.
But Busch added that it was no coincidence that negotiations took a final turn for the worse when Earnhardt announced he was leaving Dale Earnhardt Inc. after this season.
"Just from what I know, negotiations were going well, then they weren't going well, then we started getting back on track," Busch said. "Then Junior announced his availability and then that's where we kind of stalled out again.
"I'm not stupid. You guys aren't stupid. It's kind of common sense, I guess," he said.
Miller, who was at MIS representing other clients, was disappointed in Busch's comments.
"I've been doing this for a long, long time," said Miller, who has represented HMS drivers Jimmie Johnson and Casey Mears, to name a few. "My reputation is as good as anybody's. I'm not going to dignify what Kyle said with a response.
"I'm sorry Kyle chose to say something like that," Miller said.
Busch was given a release from the final year of his contract next season at HMS on Monday. He was joined at MIS by his new agent, Bruce Kempton.
Kempton said he's had calls from just about every organization in the Nextel Cup garage. Officials at DEI, Ginn Racing, Richard Childress Racing and Evernham Motorsports have expressed an open interest.
EMS owner Ray Evernham told Busch personally after the two competed in a dirt track event on Thursday night that he was prepared to expand his organization to four teams if they could reach an agreement.
Evernham currently has Kasey Kahne and Elliott Sadler signed to multiyear deals and says he plans to re-sign Scott Riggs, whose deal expires after this season.
"He's got a lot on his mind and he's got a new agent," Evernham said of Busch. "Quite honestly, I just said at least talk to us before you make a decision. That's all I asked him."
Evernham isn't concerned with Busch's fiery attitude and aggressive style that sometimes puts him at odds with other drivers, reminding he worked with a young Jeff Gordon when Gordon once irreverently bowed to Richard Petty.
"Kyle Busch isn't the first guy that has acted up," he said. "Go back and look through history. When they start showing those tapes of guys throwing helmets and guys kicking cars and guys shaking their fists at other people, there's a pretty long list of people that have won championships doing that.
"But I also know he's 22 years old and a tremendously talented driver. I've worked with other drivers through that period and I would like to have a shot at that again," he said.
Busch said he's flattered by all the attention he's getting, reiterating he didn't know all the possibilities that existed during negotiations at HMS.
"It wasn't discussed to me some of the things that probably should have been, so I was out of the loop," he said. "So I'm very ignorant when it comes to that kind of stuff because I wasn't informed."
Busch said he would like to stay in a Chevrolet but added that he's not married to the manufacturer.
Evernham, who is represented by Dodge, said that bond could be hard to break.
"Right now, Chevrolet is a pretty tight manufacturer with all of their drivers," he said. "All we can do is lay out the program compared to what else is available to him and see what he thinks of it."
Busch, 10th in the points standings, said his primary focus is trying to win a title for HMS this season.
But he is concerned there could be some backlash as there was last season when Brian Vickers was kept out of team meetings after he announced he was leaving HMS for Toyota's Team Red Bull.
"I hope it doesn't come to that, but given the circumstances it probably will," Busch said. "I'm close enough to the notebook that I know what's going on. I know what's in the car. I can look at stuff and see exactly what it is.
"I'm not retarded. I know pretty much a race car from the ground up. I hope it doesn't come to that," he said.
Busch also hoped it wouldn't come to him leaving HMS.
"I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would leave Hendrick Motorsports and go a different venture," he said. "Neither did Kurt Busch when he joined Roush Racing."
Busch was referring to his older brother, who left Roush Racing after the 2005 season to join Penske Racing.
Unlike that separation, Busch said his was a mutual and pleasant agreement.
"I was 17 when I was first talking to Mr. Hendrick and signing my deal with Mr. Hendrick," he said. "I've had the greatest time and the utmost respect for him and everything around his organization he's put me with.
"I look forward to going out and seeing what I can accomplish somewhere else," he said.
David Newton covers NASCAR for ESPN.com.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

BROOKLYN, Mich. -- Kyle Busch says his previous agent hampered negotiations to keep him at Hendrick Motorsports.



Kyle Busch the 22-year-old driver said on Friday that Alan Miller kept him in the dark about many things during talks to sign an extension beyond next season and that he was surprised initially to learn Dale Earnhardt Jr. had been signed to replace him.

Among the things was the number of other organizations expressing an interest in Busch, which team owner Rick Hendrick said had a negative impact on discussions.
"My previous representation didn't inform me that he was getting calls," Busch said before practice at Michigan International Speedway. "Then I guess that was opened up to Hendrick Motorsports. They sort of got upset.
"Do I feel I got pushed out? No, for the way negotiations were going -- wasn't going well, then it was, then it wasn't again -- I think I could do better somewhere else. That's the way we felt," he said.
But Busch added that it was no coincidence that negotiations took a final turn for the worse when Earnhardt announced he was leaving Dale Earnhardt Inc. after this season.
"Just from what I know, negotiations were going well, then they weren't going well, then we started getting back on track," Busch said. "Then Junior announced his availability and then that's where we kind of stalled out again.
"I'm not stupid. You guys aren't stupid. It's kind of common sense, I guess," he said.
Miller, who was at MIS representing other clients, was disappointed in Busch's comments.
"I've been doing this for a long, long time," said Miller, who has represented HMS drivers Jimmie Johnson and Casey Mears, to name a few. "My reputation is as good as anybody's. I'm not going to dignify what Kyle said with a response.
"I'm sorry Kyle chose to say something like that," Miller said.
Busch was given a release from the final year of his contract next season at HMS on Monday. He was joined at MIS by his new agent, Bruce Kempton.
Kempton said he's had calls from just about every organization in the Nextel Cup garage. Officials at DEI, Ginn Racing, Richard Childress Racing and Evernham Motorsports have expressed an open interest.
EMS owner Ray Evernham told Busch personally after the two competed in a dirt track event on Thursday night that he was prepared to expand his organization to four teams if they could reach an agreement.
Evernham currently has Kasey Kahne and Elliott Sadler signed to multiyear deals and says he plans to re-sign Scott Riggs, whose deal expires after this season.
"He's got a lot on his mind and he's got a new agent," Evernham said of Busch. "Quite honestly, I just said at least talk to us before you make a decision. That's all I asked him."
Evernham isn't concerned with Busch's fiery attitude and aggressive style that sometimes puts him at odds with other drivers, reminding he worked with a young Jeff Gordon when Gordon once irreverently bowed to Richard Petty.
"Kyle Busch isn't the first guy that has acted up," he said. "Go back and look through history. When they start showing those tapes of guys throwing helmets and guys kicking cars and guys shaking their fists at other people, there's a pretty long list of people that have won championships doing that.
"But I also know he's 22 years old and a tremendously talented driver. I've worked with other drivers through that period and I would like to have a shot at that again," he said.
Busch said he's flattered by all the attention he's getting, reiterating he didn't know all the possibilities that existed during negotiations at HMS.
"It wasn't discussed to me some of the things that probably should have been, so I was out of the loop," he said. "So I'm very ignorant when it comes to that kind of stuff because I wasn't informed."
Busch said he would like to stay in a Chevrolet but added that he's not married to the manufacturer.
Evernham, who is represented by Dodge, said that bond could be hard to break.
"Right now, Chevrolet is a pretty tight manufacturer with all of their drivers," he said. "All we can do is lay out the program compared to what else is available to him and see what he thinks of it."
Busch, 10th in the points standings, said his primary focus is trying to win a title for HMS this season.
But he is concerned there could be some backlash as there was last season when Brian Vickers was kept out of team meetings after he announced he was leaving HMS for Toyota's Team Red Bull.
"I hope it doesn't come to that, but given the circumstances it probably will," Busch said. "I'm close enough to the notebook that I know what's going on. I know what's in the car. I can look at stuff and see exactly what it is.
"I'm not retarded. I know pretty much a race car from the ground up. I hope it doesn't come to that," he said.
Busch also hoped it wouldn't come to him leaving HMS.
"I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would leave Hendrick Motorsports and go a different venture," he said. "Neither did Kurt Busch when he joined Roush Racing."
Busch was referring to his older brother, who left Roush Racing after the 2005 season to join Penske Racing.
Unlike that separation, Busch said his was a mutual and pleasant agreement.
"I was 17 when I was first talking to Mr. Hendrick and signing my deal with Mr. Hendrick," he said. "I've had the greatest time and the utmost respect for him and everything around his organization he's put me with.
"I look forward to going out and seeing what I can accomplish somewhere else," he said.
David Newton covers NASCAR for ESPN.com.

Gee. I wonder where exactly on this release should I place the smiley face stick on?

[oncea3fan]

I think the first statement kyle made about not knowing was true, now everyone one is back pedleing to try and make HMS look like the good guy.


horse hockey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jks812]

I don't think he knew it at first either. But even if he did know, I still think it was wrong of Hendrick to dump him just so he could get Jr. I'm a Jr fan and to me he ain't no better driver than Kyle is.

[tkj24]

From what I have been hearing he wanting Lots and Lots of money.

[McMurray26]

Originally Posted by jks812

I'm a Jr fan and to me he ain't no better driver than Kyle is.

probably one of the smartest quotes i have ever heard a junior fan make. i like junior but he is not my favorite driver and to me sometimes his fans just can't see past his last name.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by McMurray26

probably one of the smartest quotes i have ever heard a junior fan make. i like junior but he is not my favorite driver and to me sometimes his fans just can't see past his last name.

Isn't that the pinnacle of being a fan ???? If you are a fan of Jr., Gordon, Stewart or whoever then your choice should be the best in your eyes. If whoever is "Your Driver" then you should be behind him 100%.

Let me guess ... with your screen name you are a Jamie McMurray fan. I hope you are for him 100%, but I'll bet there are others who see no future in him.

[titans#1]

i think of jr. as an over rated driver.dont get me wrong he is a good driver but sometimes you have to face reality is he going to be another mark martin and not win a cup championship?and i know he gets alot of fans from his last name but that is a good reason to like someone i like b.labonte because of his last name i was huge terry labonte fan but when he retired i switched to bobby so people liking jr. for his last name isnt a big deal its just that some people go a little over board about how good he is.just my opinion so jr. fans dont attack me.

[LSC9901]

Some time ago we had a discussion very similar to this. I would again pose this question: is he over rateed or over hyped by the media ??? If over rated how do you justify your view ?

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

Some time ago we had a discussion very similar to this. I would again pose this question: is he overrated or over hyped by the media ??? If over rated how do you justify your view ?

No contest, Steve. The magic word here is "Hyped."

These guys are absolute nobodies who drive fast and do daring things. Thousands of people do this every week around the country. What sets these guys apart is the fact that once or twice they did something especially daring, or took an unusual chance, that worked and they got noticed by someone with some influence. They they get noticed by someone REALLY big, and then the media gets involved. If they continue to do noticeable things, and if they are attractive, speak reasonably well and don't commit too many social faux pas', they become media darlings, and gain rock star status to varying degrees.

In the case of Earnhardt, Casey Mears, Kyle Petty, the Wallace and Bodine clan, etc., etc, nepotism speeds everything up to warp speed.

Look at your boy from Vermont, Kevin Lepage. I refuse to believe that he isn't as talented as at least half of the drivers in the "Chosen 35" group. However, somewhere along the line he missed slightly fitting into the formula I described above. The media didn't think he was worthy and <presto>, instead of having his own plane and own motor coach, he flies in tourist class each week and stays at a nearby Holiday Inn.

[LSC9901]

As is generally the case Bob, you speak "my" mind.

[McMurray26]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

Isn't that the pinnacle of being a fan ???? If you are a fan of Jr., Gordon, Stewart or whoever then your choice should be the best in your eyes. If whoever is "Your Driver" then you should be behind him 100%.

Let me guess ... with your screen name you are a Jamie McMurray fan. I hope you are for him 100%, but I'll bet there are others who see no future in him.

yeah no doubt i am behind 110% but that doesn't mean i have unreal expectations about him...he still has a way to go...

like last year i was expecting one win
this year i am expecting him to get a win or two and make the chase and finish in the top half of the chase

i think earnhardt fans are crushed when he doesn't win every race and doesn't win the championship every year.

i also think if you ask them they would say he is the best driver, now just because jamie is my favorite doesn't mean he is the best driver.

i used to like rusty. and i hated senior, rusty won a lot of races but senior won a lot of championships and ever 9, 10, 11 or 12 years old I knew that meant something about the two and their talent.

[jks812]

Originally Posted by McMurray26

i think earnhardt fans are crushed when he doesn't win every race and doesn't win the championship every year.

i also think if you ask them they would say he is the best driver, now just because jamie is my favorite doesn't mean he is the best driver.

I'm a Jr fan and no I'm not crushed if he doesn't win every race. I like to see him win, but I don't start crying if he don't. As far as a championship, don't matter me if he wins one or not. Winning one don't mean he's a great driver and not winning one don't mean he ain't. And is no where near the best driver.
So no all Jr fans think he's superman and his sh_t don't stink.
Dang maybe I'm not a fan like I thought I was.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by jks812

I'm a Jr fan and no I'm not crushed if he doesn't win every race. I like to see him win, but I don't start crying if he don't. As far as a championship, don't matter me if he wins one or not. Winning one don't mean he's a great driver and not winning one don't mean he ain't. And is no where near the best driver.
So no all Jr fans think he's superman and his sh_t don't stink.
Dang maybe I'm not a fan like I thought I was.

JKS, I hereby dub the a race fan, with a leaning towards a particular driver. That is no sin and it is no sin to not get all weepy when your chosen driver doesn't win. The perception that a fan has to have a victory every time our drivers race is a misperception. Those that feel their chosen driver must win don't have a complete concept of what racing is all about. The effort may be there and the skill but if the luck is leaning towards the bad side of the scale there is nothing that can be done to change it. I cannot imagine myself or anyone who is so intent on one driver that they'd get in a friz.

Of course that is just my opinion !

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

JKS, I hereby dub the a race fan, with a leaning towards a particular driver. That is no sin and it is no sin to not get all weepy when your chosen driver doesn't win. The perception that a fan has to have a victory every time our drivers race is a misperception. Those that feel their chosen driver must win don't have a complete concept of what racing is all about. The effort may be there and the skill but if the luck is leaning towards the bad side of the scale there is nothing that can be done to change it. I cannot imagine myself or anyone who is so intent on one driver that they'd get in a friz.

Of course that is just my opinion !

a fan is one who looks at the event as a whole. a zealot is one who focuses entirely on one aspect.

I'm a fan with favorites