[loco4pablo]

Back in the late 80's to the late 90's. I attended my share of NASCAR races (Daytona/Bristol/Richmond/Dover/Darlington/Pocono) all several times. During that time at these races I always found myself always watching the same drivers (#3/Spencer and Ernie Irvin) regardless of thier position on the track at the time, not that I was a big fan of either but they just always seemed to me to be the most exciting to watch. This year I went to my first race in about 10 years (Daytona truck race). Same thing... I couldn't stop watching Kyle Bush in the 51 truck. I'm not a big Kyle fan but I have to admit he was the most fun to watch.
I thought about what driver he reminded me most of comming up through the ranks and for me it's Ernie Irvin. I really hope Kyle is around a lot longer then Ernie was but how he drives that car just reminded me of Ernie... What do you think?

[Phils20]

You just might have a point there! Maybe that is why Kyle is growing on me. I was a fan of Ernie!

[LSC9901]

Yep !!! Ernie was a driven driver.Initially he was a little to aggressive on the track and after a number of accidents he became very aware that he needed to let up a bit. If I remember correctly there was a drivers meeting where he apologized and soon became a more respected driver. sadly his career ended to soon. Hopefully Kyle has gotten the message that his mouth can create more problems than it can ever resolve. He is commanding more attention this year with his finishes and less of an attitude issue. The guy is only 22 years old so maybe the fame was too much, too fast. I just waited for him to make a cheap shot at HMS after the 1st Toyota victory. I think that his lack of giving HMS a shot says more to them than actually saying something that would keep the immature image alive. Being a better interview will only increase his popularity.

[loco4pablo]

Yeah, I think a lot of people don't like Kyle for 1) he's a Bush 2) he does come off arrogant or cocky at times. Back in the 90's people didn't like swervin' ervin because he raised a lot of havoc on the track but off the track people didn't have a big problem with him. I think it's just the opposite with Kyle, the fans don't have a big problem with his racing, it's his interviews ect. that rub them wrong. Kyle now is getting alot of press for his on edge driving style the reason is...He's the only one out there making it exciting. Back in Ernie's time there were several just like him. But yeah I think ol' Swervin Ervin is the driver that most reminds me of Kyle.

[Bob Tanner]

Kyle does have some of the qualities Ernie had. However, His style reminds me more of either Tim Richmond or Junior Johnson.

Both of those two would never be accused of taking points into consideration. If there was a hole they'd go for it; if there wasn't a hole they'd try and make one. They were both supreme "wheel men" and strategy wasn't their bag, as it was for the likes of David Pearson or Mark Martin. Their plan was simple: Get to the front as soon as possible and stay there.

This '"New Shrubby" is keeping his mouth shut more this year and letting his driving do the talking. That's a BIG improvement.

[jks812]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

Kyle does have some of the qualities Ernie had. However, His style reminds me more of either Tim Richmond or Junior Johnson.

I've heard the announcers compare him to Tim Richmond.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by jks812

I've heard the announcers compare him to Tim Richmond.

He's got Tim's agressiveness but I think he's as talented a wheel man as Junior Johnson. Superior to Richmond.

[wingkey1]

The Earnhardt connection with the two names is intriguing.

Irvan received help/support/recommendation from Sr.

(Now realizing the following may be seen to be convoluted to those in the best of states of mind) - Kyle to date is getting same from Jr.

[Quality88]

I have to admit I have been watchin him from afar.... He has definitely got my attention. I think the Hendrick episode is what has turned him around.

[Mudbug]

Originally Posted by Phils20

You just might have a point there! Maybe that is why Kyle is growing on me. I was a fan of Ernie!

I do have to agee also, I use to luv watching Swirvin Erivin & Kyle is growing on me to.

[PenelopePitStop]

Don't like him, but I'm not going to bash Kyle ... it'll be hard ... but I won't do it ... I promise!

Interesting comparison.

I was a huge Swervin Ervin fan. Even drove his simulator and have a professional photo of him and Sr. standing in front of their cars at Daytona. Shame what happened to him. I've noticed that I still see him at the track from time to time.

Kyle is very young. I didn't know how young until a few weeks ago. He's getting a ton of attention because he was swapped out for Jr. Perhaps the reason that some think he's fun to watch is because he drives on the edge, even when he doesn't need to.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that Kyle is not "seasoned" yet.

[Phils20]

Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

Don't like him, but I'm not going to bash Kyle ... it'll be hard ... but I won't do it ... I promise!

Interesting comparison.

I was a huge Swervin Ervin fan. Even drove his simulator and have a professional photo of him and Sr. standing in front of their cars at Daytona. Shame what happened to him. I've noticed that I still see him at the track from time to time.

Kyle is very young. I didn't know how young until a few weeks ago. He's getting a ton of attention because he was swapped out for Jr. Perhaps the reason that some think he's fun to watch is because he drives on the edge, even when he doesn't need to.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that Kyle is not "seasoned" yet.

I think he will get that seasoning soon enough. He has aleady improved. He's gonna be one to watch for years to come!

[cdublxi]

I didn't like Kyle Bush at all until I heard of the possibility that we'd get him in the DEI camp with JR leaving. When he signed with Gibbs, I was done with him.... but the kid has some kind of magic.

When I'm watching a race I want Truex to win. If he can't win, I'd like to see JR win just because he does seem to be a sincere guy. If neither of them can win, I'm a Toyota man from the beginning. My first car was a 'Yota. Kyle Bush is by far my favorite Toyota driver.

[Bassdogs]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

'"New Shrubby" is keeping his mouth shut more this year and letting his driving do the talking. That's a BIG improvement.

The Shrub had captured my attention in the early races this year. I tended to like his aggressive style and his "dig for every inch" attitude. All that changed last weekend after I attended the Bristol races and listened to him on the scanner. I think it took less than 2 minutes after I turned on the scanner to hear his first "M**** F****. The F word seems to be a favorite from the 18 driver. I'm not a prude but I didn't hear the same from any of the other drivers. The topper was during one of the final yellows on Sunday. It was a single file restart and he was well back in the line, behind Mikey W. After making a snide remark about "everyone knowing you don't want to line up behind Jamie McM under yellow", he followed with "and the Queer is even worse". Maybe DW might want to reconsider his love affair with the shrub.

I was left with the feeling that the Shrub is a little self absorbed little smart a** who has a whole lot of growing up if he wants to join the ranks of the other top drivers. I'm sure I wasn't the only one who heard the last remark. Guess the media doesn't want to tarnish their latest wonder boy.

[SteelPhoenyx]

Not my favorite driver either, but I don't hate him like I did last year. Stopped hating him around Infineon. Now even tentatively like him. And yeah, he is fun to watch. A lot of time I catch myself saying "holy sh**! That kid can drive!!"

Definitely one to watch in the coming years. I somehow knew he'd be the first Toyota driver to win a Cup race. I wish I had put money on it. First winner in the Winged Brick last year, now the first Toyota Cup winner... the kid's a renegade and a pioneer. Look for his name to be tied to many more historical NASCAR events.