[SpaceCadet]

Originally Posted by The Dude

I'm not trying to start any arguments or anything, just pointing out that there have been a lot of drivers who've been just as agressive as Busch and haven't recieved half as much of the hate.

When Tony Stewart runs his mouth after an incident on the track, he gets a lot of grief for it. When any driver is in an accident and then RUNS HIS MOUTH after, that driver gets a lot of grief. It's not the incident itself that has my panties in a knot, it's his attitude about it afterwards. I love watching Kyle Busch drive, but I've gotten to the point that if he's involved in any controversy I just need to push the "mute" button when they interview him. It's not alway even the words themselves, but the way he says them. He's a punk who is stuck on himself, and when he falls he's gonna hit mighty hard.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by 3fanforever

I disagree. It wouldn't matter who Kyle wrecked, people would still be talking about it, because it involved Kyle Busch. Especially after what he said after the Nationwide race last night..."I don't care! I'll wreck as many cars as I need to." I'm not saying he intentionally wrecked him, because I know he didn't. But after what he said last night, it doesn't look good. I'm afraid his mouth is writing checks his butt can't cash.

I won't get into Dale Sr's driving style. That matter has been beat absolutely to death.

As to tonite, I think you're pretty much right on. Shrub came on the scene with a massive desire to win (just as Dale Sr. did back in 1975). As I remember it the basic same things being said about Kyle tonite were said about Richard Petty, Buddy Baker, Dale Sr., Tim Richmond, Geoff Bodine and others before him. The thing which makes Shrub different is that (a) There are more fans now and the media coverage is more pervasive, and... (b) he's a kid barely out of adolescence and under pressure, is prone to conduct himself and make statements like a kid of that age might be expected to.

In a few years I might gain some respect for him as a man but now... All I can really say is that I appreciate anyone who drives to win and doesn't have the typical vanilla personality NA__AR so favors today. As someone else stated, it sure beats the Hell out of points racing.

[The Dude]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

I won't get into Dale Sr's driving style. That matter has been beat absolutely to death.

As to tonite, I think you're pretty much right on. Shrub came on the scene with a massive desire to win (just as Dale Sr. did back in 1975). As I remember it the basic same things being said about Kyle tonite were said about Richard Petty, Buddy Baker, Dale Sr., Tim Richmond, Geoff Bodine and others before him. The thing which makes Shrub different is that (a) There are more fans now and the media coverage is more pervasive, and... (b) he's a kid barely out of adolescence and under pressure, is prone to conduct himself and make statements like a kid of that age might be expected to.

In a few years I might gain some respect for him as a man but now... All I can really say is that I appreciate anyone who drives to win and doesn't have the typical vanilla personality NA__AR so favors today. As someone else stated, it sure beats the Hell out of points racing.

Wow, Bob semi agreed with me. I feel honoured. And the only reason I brought up Dale Earnhardt was because I figured that him and Kyle drove similar styles, didn't wanna bring up old topics.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by The Dude

Wow, Bob semi agreed with me. I feel honoured. And the only reason I brought up Dale Earnhardt was because I figured that him and Kyle drove similar styles, didn't wanna bring up old topics.

I see a whole lot of Dale Sr. in Kyle, insofar as driving to win.

The major difference is that Sr. did it because he he was in inferior equipment (Ed Negre's Dodge, for example) and had to drive hard. Kyle's doing it BECAUSE he has that same drive BUT also has top-notch equipment.

As far as I'm concerned, that is about the only differences I see between the Dale of 1975/1976/1977 and the Kyle Busch of today. They both tend to be lightening rods who attract debate and strong feelings.

[The Dude]

Here's hopin' he has the sucess that Dale had.

[GrimlockAutobot]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

I see a whole lot of Dale Sr. in Kyle, insofar as driving to win.

The major difference is that Sr. did it because he he was in inferior equipment (Ed Negre's Dodge, for example) and had to drive hard. Kyle's doing it BECAUSE he has that same drive BUT also has top-notch equipment.

As far as I'm concerned, that is about the only differences I see between the Dale of 1975/1976/1977 and the Kyle Busch of today. They both tend to be lightening rods who attract debate and strong feelings.

PLEASE do not compare Kyle friggin' Busch to Dale Sr. That little, whiny, crybaby, arrogant, SOB couldn't carry Senior's helmet let alone his legacy. Kyle doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence with Earnhardt Sr.

Especially after what he pulled last night. I hope there's another Jimmy Spencer out there to pop him in the nose just like what happened to his big brother.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by GrimlockAutobot

PLEASE do not compare Kyle friggin' Busch to Dale Sr. That little, whiny, crybaby, arrogant, SOB couldn't carry Senior's helmet let alone his legacy. Kyle doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence with Earnhardt Sr.

Especially after what he pulled last night. I hope there's another Jimmy Spencer out there to pop him in the nose just like what happened to his big brother.

No disrespect but you exactly, and I mean E-X-A-C-T-L-Y, sound just like a guy I knew in 1980 who was a Darrell Waltrip fan. DW was this pseudo-saint and Dale was this reckless-driving, disrespectful kid who drove over others if he couldn't pass them.

Like it or not, the similarities between Shrub's style of driving and Dales in his early years is frightening. The only difference is that Kyle drives for a well-funded Gibbs team. Dale drove for a marginally funded Osterlund team.

The more things change, the more they remain things...

[Phils20]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

No disrespect but you exactly, and I mean E-X-A-C-T-L-Y, sound just like a guy I knew in 1980 who was a Darrell Waltrip fan. DW was this pseudo-saint and Dale was this reckless-driving, disrespectful kid who drove over others if he couldn't pass them.

Like it or not, the similarities between Shrub's style of driving and Dales in his early years is frightening. The only difference is that Kyle drives for a well-funded Gibbs team. Dale drove for a marginally funded Osterlund team.

The more things change, the more they remain things...

.

You've got that right.

I swear, when folks say the good old days anymore, I think they mean the 90's!

No one remembers that Dale anymore, just the mild version at the end.

[Ellison]

Steve Wallace did nothing wrong. The "little girl" went over to him and leaned into his car, pointing his finger, and I'm sure making threats. Lucky getting his helmet grabbed is all that happened. Also, did you notice how scared Ky-ky was, he jumped back about 5 feet ... haha.

[Nevadastars]

Originally Posted by Ellison

Also, did you notice how scared Ky-ky was, he jumped back about 5 feet ... haha.

I seriously doubt he was in fear as he motioned Wallace to get out of his car, then went back after him.......

YouTube - 2008 Lipton Tea 250 Finish/Busch vs. Wallace

I'm by no means defending Kyle, as it was the last lap, and Wallace bumped him without turning him. Busch didnt even lose a spot, so I have no idea why he was so steamed. Just being the arrrogant jerk that he is I guess.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Ellison

Steve Wallace did nothing wrong. The "little girl" went over to him and leaned into his car, pointing his finger, and I'm sure making threats. Lucky getting his helmet grabbed is all that happened. Also, did you notice how scared Ky-ky was, he jumped back about 5 feet ... haha.

He moved back a few feet when he was trying to get Wallace to release the helmet. Is that what you are talking about ??

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Nevadastars

I seriously doubt he was in fear as he motioned Wallace to get out of his car, then went back after him.......

YouTube - 2008 Lipton Tea 250 Finish/Busch vs. Wallace

I'm by no means defending Kyle, as it was the last lap, and Wallace bumped him without turning him. Busch didnt even lose a spot, so I have no idea why he was so steamed. Just being the arrrogant jerk that he is I guess.

Nevada I think he got steamed after Wallace grabbed his helmet. He said in the interview that after Wallace bumped him, that Wallace run up the track to keep from gettin bumped by him. He said he went over to the car to let him know that if you mess with the bull your gonna get the horns. I actually kinda liked that part. For some odd reason

[oncea3fan]

Originally Posted by obrien

I hope some one will retaliate on that little punk. If he was such a great driver as the commentators keep saying, that would not have happened. I would be willing to bet that if the positions were swapped, Jr wouldn't have taken him out. I would love to see Jr, get some retribution and not always be so nice and PC though.

let see was it charlott last year were the alm ight jr. jumped down a lane in the middle of the straight to take kyle out, goes around ,comes around.

and Iam sure Kyle will get more carma from driving over his head.

Originally Posted by Nevadastars

I seriously doubt he was in fear as he motioned Wallace to get out of his car, then went back after him.......

He jumped back, hands in the air, overreacted, he was scared because he though he was golden and no one would dare question him or confront him back.

He motioned to Wallace after he had his whole crew in between them.

Kyle is NASCARs new (female dog), since I don't know what is acceptable to write on here, will call him that.

[DOF_power]

On NASCAR.com


Right or wrong, it's good to have bad boy Busch here

Busch's aggressiveness reminiscent of Junior's father

By Joe Menzer, NASCAR.COM
May 5, 2008
04:35 PM EDT



CONCORD, N.C. -- If it's true that every sport needs a bad guy, real or perceived, then things are really looking up in the Sprint Cup Series.
Tony Stewart appears to be turning nice. Jeff Gordon no longer gets booed with the same gusto as in the past. Other former bad boys, such as Darrell Waltrip, have long since retired.
A void was forming.


In a split second at Richmond International Raceway last Saturday night, Kyle Busch filled it. He went from being the Happy Gilmore of Sprint Cup racing to something far more sinister -- at least in the angry eyes of the legions of fans of the most popular driver on the Cup circuit. Racing for the lead with two laps remaining in the scheduled 400-lap event, Busch and Dale Earnhardt Jr. bumped and banged until Busch eventually turned Earnhardt around and sent Earnhardt's chances of ending a 71-race winless streak spinning into oblivion.


Thousands upon thousands of Earnhardt fans in attendance howled in protest. Others no doubt unwisely hurled 12-ounce projectiles at their television sets. Kyle Busch's name was widely cursed throughout this land.
Roughly 36 hours later, they were both on hand for Cup testing at Lowe's Motor Speedway, just outside Charlotte. As a joke -- or at least it was taken as a joke -- Humpy Wheeler, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway, sent a security detail of three into the media center when Busch was scheduled to answer questions about the incident.
Three? Saturday night it looked like 30 might be a better number to ensure Busch's safety.


Meanwhile, about 30 minutes earlier, Earnhardt broke his silence on the matter and said a few words after his handlers earlier had insisted that he would not speak about it until Thursday evening at Darlington Raceway, where the series heads next. It seemed Earnhardt wanted to talk about it Monday because he wanted to diffuse the situation. As often is the case with Earnhardt on the track and off, he also sought the high road.


"It was just hard racing," Earnhardt said. "Kyle has his style of driving. Maybe I went at it as hard as he did; I don't know what I would have done. I took him out at Kansas during the Chase [last year], and that's really why I wouldn't be any more vocal or angry about it -- because I would have been hypocritical about it, in that sense.

"We've both been on each side of it now between the two of us, and hopefully once him and I have a chance to talk about it, we can come to some kind of understanding to where we don't ever have to deal with it again, where we just go out and race and try to race each other with a little more respect and have a little better outcome."

Kyle's side
Busch expected a rude reception when he made the walk to his motor home following the race at Richmond on Saturday night. He was surprised it "wasn't too bad." It could be that the fans just couldn't find him fast enough to make it a whole lot worse.
"Going back from the infield to the motor home, there wasn't anything. And then going from the motor home to the helipad, there were just a couple fans yelling derogatory comments and stuff like that," Busch said. "It's nothing new to me anyway. I'm used to it. I pretty much told them, 'Grow up; that's racing.'








"We're racing hard and I feel like there are a lot more worse cases in this world than someone getting spun out in a race."


Only this wasn't just someone. This was Dale Earnhardt Jr.
And not only was it Junior, but it was Junior as he was at last within fingertip reach of his first Cup victory in two years.


The fact is none of that should matter when analyzing this incident. Busch, the hottest driver in NASCAR this season and by virtue of his eventual second-place finish Saturday now the new Sprint Cup points leader, was trying to win another race. He may have made a mistake that proved costly to another driver trying to win as well, but there have been plenty of aggressive drivers in the past that likely would have done the same.


One of them was named Earnhardt. He didn't have Jr. tagged to the end of his name.


Generally remembered as beloved by all since his tragic passing during an accident at the end of the 2001 Daytona 500, Earnhardt once had his share of haters, too. Junior Johnson, the former driver and car owner, once became infuriated at Earnhardt for wrecking his driver, Darrell Waltrip, and swears even today that nothing was ever the same again for the two of them. Dale Inman, legendary crew chief for Richard Petty, got so incensed at Earnhardt over another incident that for a while afterward, he refused to speak to him.


Getting booed loudly and by large numbers, as Busch surely will this Saturday night at Darlington and even more so again later this month when the All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600 are held at Lowe's Motor Speedway, is in many ways a sign of respect.
"It's nothing new to this sport," Busch said.

The replay
Earnhardt said he had looked at replays of the incident and he thinks he knows what happened. Then he said he wanted to put it behind him.


"It looks like he got loose underneath me and had to wreck his car, and got into the side of us," said Earnhardt, who remained third in the points standings during his first season of driving the No. 88 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. "It's unfortunate, but we'll try to go to Darlington and have a good run and try to rebound a little bit points-wise, maybe try to get a win there.


"The only thing I'm just upset with is not getting the points out of it that I should have been able to get. We've been working hard to stay consistent all year. I want to get as good a finish as we can with our car each week.



I've been real proud of that, had a lot of pride in what we've been able to do this year in terms of being consistent, and that was just a little bit of a bruise on the stats that we've had this year. It won't show at the end of the year how good we really were on that particular weekend."


There are those who want Junior to be angrier, more upset. They want him to see the incident as more of an affront to his manhood than a "bruise on his stats." But that is not his nature.


It would be the nature, say, of Kyle Busch if the roles were reversed. But Junior is undoubtedly one of the good guys, the one most everyone loves to cheer.


Busch has become the guy many fans love to flip the bird. Congratulations. That honor once belonged to the then-upstart Jeff Gordon. It was bestowed on Gordon mainly because he was seen by Earnhardt fans as everything that the late Dale Earnhardt, Junior's father, was not.


Their "rivalry" flourished more in the fevered minds of misguided fans than it ever did on the track, although the two talented drivers did provide some memorable highlights. Saturday's incident certainly was akin to that.
Kyle said that he called Earnhardt and left him a voice-mail message Monday morning.


"I don't know what time he got here to get on the track [for testing], but hopefully we'll either see each other in the garage or he'll get back to me later -- maybe even tonight. It's Cinco de Mayo; maybe we'll go party it up a little bit," Busch said.


That not only isn't likely, but would not be wise. No doubt some Junior fan hell-bent on revenge would take to smashing a beer bottle over Busch's elongated head, claiming he was only trying to wipe the perpetual smirk from his face.


Then again, as bad as that might be for Busch, it would be great for NASCAR ticket sales and television ratings. That's why it's always good to have a bad boy in the house. It keeps life interesting.