Jayski's® Silly Season Site - Team Pages

#26/97 Team News and Links Page

a 2006 Paint Scheme - Click on Car to go to the #26 Paint Scheme page

OFFICIAL

Roush Racing
Jamie McMurray

UN-OFFICIAL

#26/97 Team Past News and Rumors
(NOTE: some older links may not work)

Crown Royal will be the primary sponsor at:
Daytona
California(1)
Las Vegas
Texas (both)
Pocono (1)
Michigan (1)
Infineon Raceway
Indy
Watkins Glen
Loudon (2)
Dover (2)
Talladega (2)
Atlanta (2)
Homestead
and a night scheme at:
Phoenix (1)
Darlington
Coca Cola 600
Richmond.

Smirnoff Ice will be the primary sponsor at:
May: Lowe's Motor Speedway
July: Daytona
Sept: California

Sharpie will be the primary sponsor at:
Mar 26: Bristol
Aug 26: Bristol

Irwin Tools will be the primary sponsor at:
?

Contract Status: Driver: 2007+; Sponsors: 2006

Busch court date postponed: #2-Kurt Busch has a January court date to face a criminal reckless driving citation he received while in the Valley for the Nextel Cup race last month. Busch was scheduled to appear in Tolleson Justice Court on Thursday but changed the court date to 9:00am on Jan. 27, according to court officials. The 2004 Nextel Cup champion was belligerent and uncooperative when he was pulled over by Maricopa County sheriff’s deputies on Nov. 11 near Phoenix International Raceway, according to sheriff's reports. A breath test and field sobriety tests confirmed Busch wasn't drunk, but deputies issued a criminal traffic citation for reckless driving. Busch's 2005 team, #97 Roush Racing [now #26 team, Busch to drive #2 Dodge in 2006], suspended him for the final two races of the season.(East Valley Tribune)(12-24-2005)
McMurray to run Smirnoff in a few races: Jamie McMurray will drive the #26 Smirnoff Ice Ford at Lowe's Motor Speedway (May), Daytona (July) and California (Sept).(Racing One) or see images on my #26 Team Schemes page.(12-22-2005)
IMAGEs added two Royal Crown images, a scheme to be used for day race, scheduled at: Daytona 500, California(1), Las Vegas, Texas (both), Pocono (1), Michigan (1), Infineon Raceway, Indy, Watkins Glen, Loudon (2), Dover (2), Talladega (2), Atlanta (2) and Homestead; and a night scheme scheduled for Phoenix (1), Darlington, Coca Cola 600 and Richmond, to the #26 Team Schemes page.(12-2-2005)
Roush Crew Chiefs all back in 2006: Roush Racing President Geoff Smith said Sunday that the team has re-signed all of five of its crew chiefs for 2006, although it has some unfilled crew vacancies remaining. Roush is one of the few teams that had no midseason crew chief turnover and return of its five team leaders should help the organization get off to a strong start next season.(Speed Channel)(11-21-2005)
Kurt Busch to attend Nextel Cup banquet? UPDATE: Car owner Jack Roush said Friday that he wasn’t sure whether fired Roush driver Kurt Busch would represent the team at the NASCAR Annual Awards Banquet Dec. 2 in New York [he will finish 10th]. Asked about the upcoming awards banquet, Roush added, “I’m not sure. I haven’t really contemplated that. I don’t know about the banquet. I don’t know what convention requires or what (series sponsor) Nextel will require there.”(Speed Channel)
AND Q) Will Kurt Busch Represent Roush Racing at the NASCAR Banquet in New York?
A) “I haven’t got a clue. I’m not sure. I hadn’t contemplated that. They said that the manager of the race track came and told me the 97 flag was going to be taken down from the flag stand on Sunday here and Kurt will not be involved in that procedure. Jimmy Fennig and I will go up and take the flag, but I don’t know about the banquet. I’m not sure what convention requires or what Nextel will require there. I’m just not sure.”(Ford Racing)
UPDATE: hearing that Kurt Busch is planning on being at the Nextel Cup Banquet.(11-19-2005)
Busch Police Report: Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio released the police report of the Nov. 11 incident with Kurt Busch Thursday, along with a statement of how the "antagonistic" Busch was stopped for reckless driving and even refused a deputy's request to submit to a field sobriety test. But although the lengthy report details the belligerent manner in which Busch dealt with the officers involve- at one time, according to the report, saying, "You have no idea what you're doing. You have no idea who I am. You have to be the dumbest cops I've ever met" - it also says he later passed both a preliminary breath test and an eye test.
An unnamed female passenger in the rented Ford Expedition told police that Busch was driving because she had had too much to drink. Busch told police he had consumed one margarita at a Mexican restaurant. According to the report, Busch's blood-alcohol level was .017 percent, well below the .08 intoxication limit in Arizona. Arresting deputy Glenn Powe had attempted to test Busch earlier on another breathalyzer machine, but it was found to be out of tolerance, police said. Busch was handcuffed, told he was being arrested for DUI, and brought to a command post, where he agreed to the other tests. There, "I did not see any obvious signs or symptoms of alcohol impairment," wrote one of the three deputies involved in the incident.
But the Roush organization said it suspended Busch for his hostility toward the deputies involved. According to the report, Powe tried to stop Busch after he noticed the Explorer following another vehicle too closely, and swerving across a solid yellow line to avoid an accident after the first vehicle slowed to make a right turn. According to Powe's narrative, Busch handed the deputy his NASCAR credential in addition to his driver's license and rental car agreement. Powe wrote that he asked Busch if he worked for NASCAR, and received "a long-winded dissertation about his celebrity status, listing his accomplishments as if he were reading me his resume."
After asking Busch to exit the vehicle, Powe wrote that the driver responded, "This is bull----." Later, according to Powe, Busch said, "You guys are a joke. Punks. Aren't you supposed to be directing traffic somewhere?" Powe wrote that Busch refused to finish the field sobriety test, saying, "I'm not doing this gay (expletive) test." Powe wrote that as he powered up the breathalyzer machine later found to be out of tolerance, Busch said, "You're only doing this because you're a Jeff Gordon fan."(Charleston Post and Courier and links to copis of the report at the Arizona Republic)(11-18-2005)
#97 to #28? UPDATE 2 to #26: Lee Spencer reports on Fox Sports Net's Around the Track that the #97 Roush Tea, with new driver Jamie McMurray is expected to switch to the #28 in 2006. Around the Track runs on Fox Sports South [TV] at 10:30pm/et on Sunday's.(10-30-2005)
UPDATE: hearing the new number could be #26, which Roush Racing used years ago with Johnny Benson and the Cheerios car.(11-12-2005)
UPDATE 2: Roush Racing has decided to bring back the #26, replacing the #97, when Jamie McMurray steps into the car next season starting at Daytona. The sponsors of Kurt Busch's old ride - Sharpie, IRWIN and Crown Royal - will transfer over to the new number along with new paint schemes [an owners points]. Although Busch won the championship with the #97 in 2004, the move is a smart one from a marketing point of view. With the recent troubles for Busch, the rebranding will help build a new base for McMurray and the sponsors. The last time Roush ran the #26 was during the 1998-1999 seasons with driver Johnny Benson. Benson, who ran the Cheerios sponsored car at the time, posted 12 top-10 finishes in 48 races behind the wheel of the car. The #26 has seen multiple drivers and owners over the years, most recently with Todd Bodine and Haas-Carter Motorsports in 2002.(RacingOne image there)(11-16-2005)
Busch was tested and below blood-alcohol content limit: An alcohol test taken by defending Nextel Cup Champion Kurt Busch showed the 27-year-old fell far short of the legal level for intoxication last Friday night near Phoenix International Raceway, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Department said late Monday. Busch was charged with reckless driving near the raceway on Friday evening after he was clocked at 60-mph in a 45-mph zone by a Maricopa County deputy. Busch began fleeing from the deputy by running a stop sign and making erratic lane changes. Busch was pulled over less than three miles from the Phoenix track moments later after a second officer assisted in the pursuit. "Mr. Busch was administered a preliminary breath test at the command post which registered .017," Maricopa Sheriff's Lt. Paul Chagolla said. In Arizona, a person can be charged with driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol level at .08 or higher. A 170-pound male who consumes two drinks in two hours will have a blood-alcohol content of .01, according to estimates from the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Web site. Chagolla said the decision to have Busch take a second breath alcohol test — this time on an Intoxilyzer 8000 machine — was at the sole discretion of the deputy. "It's all up to the investigating officer," Chagolla said. "He could have made that decision, but this is an experienced deputy sheriff who does many DUI arrests. You have to trust his decisions." Chagolla said Saturday that Busch had performed a preliminary breath alcohol test during Friday evening's roadside stop. Chagolla admitted Monday night, however, the chronology of events he originally reported was erroneous, and the initial breath alcohol test was conducted at the county's command post at the speedway. "The odor of alcohol, combined with dangerous driving, gave the officer the right to transport Mr. Busch," Chagolla said. Media reports from Chagolla on Saturday said the Intoxilyzer 8000 had failed.
When asked why the .017 reading wasn't made available to the public on Saturday, Chagolla said he was still on a fact-finding mission. "Whatever information I had at the time is what I was going to release," Chagolla said. "And it's important to note that never at any point did the sheriff's office say he was impaired."
Busch was suspended Sunday for the season's final two Cup events. Roush Racing president Geoff Smith defended the decision, saying Busch's actions violated contractual obligations with sponsor Crown Royal, whose parent company is Diageo. "Regardless of whatever level of [alcohol] presence was there while driving, we have some very strict sponsorship rules in place,," Smith told reporters. "We feel very strongly that those rules have been significantly breached." Busch and Roush Racing representatives could not be reached for comment Monday evening.(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(11-15-2005)
Kluever to debut at Homestead? UPDATE...no...Wallace back in: many reports have Roush Racing's Truck Series driver, Todd Kluever running the #97 Ford at Homestead-Miami Speedway, making his Nextel Cup debut.(11-14-2005)
UPDATE: from the Kenny Wallace site: Kenny was called by Jack Roush Monday afternoon and asked to race in the #97 Ford at the Homestead race with the thanks of the Roush Family of teams. "We've asked Kenny to return for an encore performance. He did a really nice job in a car that was not set up for him and he didn't have any practice in the car." Geoff Smith confirmed on Monday, ""We think Kenny deserves a chance with a car that is set up for him and with an entire weekend of work with the team." Also note this means that Kenny and hopefully Mike will race together with brother Rusty in his final Nextel Cup race.(Kenny Wallace site)(11-15-2005)
Penske Behind Busch: Roger Pensek said before the race on NBC that the citation and Roush Racing Suspension of Kurt Busch will NOT change a thing and Busch will drive the #2 Miller Lite Dodge for Penske Racing in 2006. On Speed Channel's Wind Tunnel, Penske said he has already called the Sheriff and talked about doing somethign with the community and working things out.(11-14-2005)
Brothers Sweep, first since 1976: Kyle Busch won Sunday’s race at PIR, while brother Kurt took the spring race here. That makes them the first brothers to sweep both Cup races at one track in a single season since Donnie and Bobby Allison turned the trick in 1978 at Atlanta.(Speed Channel)(11-14-2005)
Kyle Busch walks out on press conference: There were two post-race press conferences for the winner at Phoenix. #5-Kyle Busch ended the first one abruptly when he found questions about dealing with his older brother’s problems tiresome. After a lapse of about a half hour, the race winner returned and clarified his position. “The only thing out there for us to do is acknowledge the contents of the police report and whatever Kurt Busch will say or release at a later time,” he said.(Gaston Gazette)
AND In the PIR infield media center for the traditional winner’s interview, Kyle was queried about his emotions on the day when his brother was suspended following an encounter with local police Friday night. “The only thing I’m going to say is I’m behind my brother 100 percent and usually things in the media are false and that’s what it comes down to sometimes,” Kyle said. Soon after, USA Today reporter Chris Jenkins asked, “Kyle, what specifically has the media written this weekend that’s been false about your brother?”
“I’m not going there, bud,” Kyle replied. “That was a really, really inappropriate question.” He then got up and stormed out of the media center, only to return some 15 minutes later.(Speed Channel)(11-14-2005)
Busch out of the #97...NOW - Kenny Wallace IN, Busch suspended: been told by sources at the track that Kurt Busch, driver of the #97 Roush Racing Ford may not be driving the car at Phoenix today...no word on who would drive the car, if this is true....see the news about Busch's 'traffic citation' below.
Kenny Wallace will drive the #97 Irwin Tools Ford at Phoenix, as he reported himself on Speed Channel's NASCAR This Morning. Roush Racing and NASCAR will be making an announcement soon.
UPDATE: Roush Racing's Geoff Smith said on Speed Channel's NASCAR This Morning that Busch has been suspended from Roush Racing for the final two races at Phoenix and Homestead, Kenny Wallace is in the car at Phoenix, no word on who will drive the car at Homestead.(11-13-2005)
ROUSH RACING statement: Roush Racing announced that effective immediately it has suspended Kurt Busch for the remainder of the season. "This suspension is made after full review of all the circumstances surrounding Kurt's Friday night altercation with the Arizona police, and after consultation with our primary sponsors, Newell Rubbermaid and Diageo," said Jack Roush, team owner. "All parties are in complete support that the action being taken today is necessary and appropriate under the circumstances.
"We give our profound apology and support to the arresting officer and the entire Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and thank all of the officers for the great job they do with helping the Phoenix International Raceway bring our event to so many wonderful Arizona race fans," Jack Roush continued.(Roush Racing)
NASCAR Statement: NASCAR fully supports Jack Roush’s decision to replace Kurt Busch as the driver of the #97 Ford for the remainder of the season. Based on the facts that are known today, no actions by NASCAR are necessary.(NASCAR)(11-13-2005)
Kurt Busch Statement: regard his reckless driving citation:
"I regret the incident that occurred near the Phoenix International Raceway Friday evening where I received a traffic citation. It is important to understand that this citation is not alcohol related. I want to apologize to the Maricopa County Sheriff's department for my actions."(Kurt Busch Inc)(11-13-2005)
Kurt Busch charged with reckless driving: NASCAR driver Kurt Busch was detained on suspicion of drunken driving and cited for reckless driving after a confrontation with police near the track where the NASCAR champion is to race Sunday. Busch was stopped Friday night after trying to avoid another car and running a stop sign about 2 miles from Phoenix International Raceway, said Lt. Paul Chagolla "As a result of the roadside investigation the deputy did take Mr. Busch into custody for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol," said Lt. Chagolla. Chagolla said the deputy smelled alcohol on Busch, but the driver refused to perform standard field sobriety tests. Busch did submit to a field breath alcohol test, and the device showed the presence of alcohol. The deputy drove Busch to the raceway, where a sheriff's facility is located, to administer another breath test but the machine there failed. The deputy then decided to cite Busch for reckless driving and he was released, Chagolla said. Busch was spotted driving about 60 mph in a 45 mph zone, Chagolla said. A deputy tried to pull Busch over but there was some delay, Chagolla said. When he did stop, Busch was argumentative and uncooperative, Chagolla said. The deputy then called for a supervisor.
Busch, the reigning Nextel Cup champion, is in Phoenix to race in Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500. Busch, eighth in points for the season, qualified 17th for the race. His team did not immediately respond to a request for comment. NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said: "It's a traffic ticket as far as we know."(ESPN.com/AP)
AND Defending NASCAR Nextel Cup champ Kurt Busch was issued a criminal traffic citation for reckless driving Friday night by a Maricopa County Sheriff's Office deputy. The stop occurred at 8:20 p.m. near El Mirage and Broadway roads, about three miles from Phoenix International Raceway. Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said a motorcycle deputy saw Busch nearly rear-end another vehicle, speed around it to avoid a crash and blast through a stop sign. He was clocked at 60 mph in a 45 zone. The deputy said he tried to stop him, but Busch kept driving. The deputy called for backup and another deputy helped pull Busch over. Arpaio said Busch insulted the deputy by asking what law enforcement agency he was from and saying, "you ought to be directing traffic." Busch reportedly pulled out his driver's license and NASCAR identification and said, "Don't you know who I am?"
"He can speed on the racetrack but he's not going to speed on the streets of Maricopa County," Arpaio said. MCSO spokesman Lt. Paul Chagolla said the deputy "smelled alcohol" and tried to administer a standard field sobriety test. Busch started the tests but stopped before completing each one. He was then taken into custody under suspicion of driving under the influence and transported to a mobile command post at PIR for a breath-alcohol test, but the machine malfunctioned. Busch, who will drive in the Checker Auto Parts 500, was issued a criminal citation for reckless driving and ordered to appear in Tolleson Justice Court on Dec. 22. "I don't plan to take any action myself," said Jack Roush, Busch's team owner. "I'm not looking down the road with Kurt, based on the fact that he has his release and he will be doing something else. He'll be under new management, and new oversight next year, and I'll just stand aside and watch and see how that works out for him." Busch will drive for Penske Racing South next season.(Arizona Republic)(11-12-2005)
UPDATE: NASCAR president Mike Helton was seen escorting Busch to a NASCAR hauler for a private meeting [at Phoenix]. Hunter also attended but refused to reveal any details of the meeting.(Roanoke Times)(11-13-2005)
Diageo to be Primary sponsor of McMurray in 2006: Diageo, the world's leading premium drinks business, announced that it will take over primary sponsorship of Jamie McMurray's Roush Racing Ford beginning in the 2006 season. The company's Crown Royal and Smirnoff ICE brands will own the primary paint scheme on the Roush Racing Ford for 21 races next season, with Newell-Rubbermaid retaining the remaining 15 races. In 2004, Crown Royal became the first spirits brand to enter the sport after NASCAR announced that spirits companies would be allowed to participate as team sponsors. "I am excited about the opportunity to start a new era in my career with Crown Royal and Roush Racing," McMurray said. "I know that with this new partnership comes greater responsibility, as I will be counted on to help Crown Royal and Smirnoff ICE reach millions of fans with messages related to the importance of responsible drinking." The sponsorship will be built around Diageo's existing relationship with Roush Racing, which began in 2003 with a primary sponsorship of Matt Kenseth and the #17 car for Diageo's flavored malt beverage Smirnoff ICE. That sponsorship continued for part of 2004, before switching to the #97 car late in the season. Throughout the 2005 season, Diageo has utilized its association with NASCAR to promote responsible drinking to millions of NASCAR's adult fans as the #97 drove in the Crown Royal and Smirnoff ICE colors during 10 Cup races. On September 10, 2005 at Richmond International Speedway, Crown Royal became the first-ever spirit brand to win a NEXTEL Cup race when the #97 drove to victory during the Chevy Rock and Roll 400. Crown Royal's integrated motorsports marketing plan will include primary sponsorship at 18 races during the 2006 season, including the Daytona 500. Smirnoff ICE will have primary sponsorship for three races. Crown Royal will continue to capitalize on its sponsorship on several additional levels throughout the season, including consumer promotions and retail events, dedicated print and broadcast advertising to promote responsible drinking, licensing, online consumer promotions, public relations and hospitality.
Crown Royal also continues to engage race fans across the country with its title sponsorship of the Crown Royal International Race of Champions (IROC) series. For more information on Crown Royal, visit www.crownroyal.com. For more information on Smirnoff ICE, visit www.smirnoffice.com.(Alan Taylor Communications PR), look for a car number change announcement in the near future.(11-8-2005)
Irwin/Sharpie to sponsor McMurray for 15 races in 2006: Jamie McMurray announced that he will drive the IRWIN Industrial Tools/Sharpie Ford for Roush Racing in 2006. The announcement ends the speculation of when one of the most coveted driver's seats in racing would be filled. "The addition of Jamie McMurray as driver of the IRWIN/Sharpie Ford is a development that's exciting to our employees, customers and fans," said Eric Pinkham, director of motorsports for Newell Rubbermaid. "There's no question that Jamie now has the right tools to achieve even greater NASCAR success and make a permanent mark on racing history." IRWIN and Sharpie racing will compete in 15 races throughout the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series next year, including special Sharpie paint schemes at each event at Bristol Motor Speedway. The brands' sponsorship will feature interactive marketing at tracks, retail appearances, advertising and consumer and customer promotions.(Sharpie/Sanford PR)(11-8-2005)
OFFICIAL - Busch to Join Penske Racing in 2006: Penske Racing South announced today that Kurt Busch will drive the Miller Lite Dodge commencing with the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season. Busch, the 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup champion, has reached an agreement with Roush Racing to be released from his driver responsibilities for the 2006 season. Busch will join Penske Racing South at the conclusion of the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season. "We are pleased that Kurt and Roush Racing were able to reach an agreement on Kurt's release and appreciate the professionalism that it has taken to arrive at this result," said Roger Penske, chairman. "Kurt's joining us for 2006 will provide a smooth transition for the team and our sponsors." Busch had recently signed a multi-year agreement with Penske Racing South that was to take effect in 2007.(Penske Racing)(11-7-2005)
OFFICIAL - Busch released from Roush Racing Contract, McMurray in: Roush Racing has announced that Kurt Busch has been released from his Roush Racing contract obligations effective at the end of the 2005 year and that Jamie McMurray has signed to drive for Roush Racing commencing in the 2006 season. Newell-Rubbermaid and Diageo [Crown Royal/Smirnoff] will continue as primary sponsors of the McMurray driven entry in NASCAR’s Nextel Cup Series.(Roush Racing)(11-7-2005)
Latest on Busch-McMurray deal: Expect to see #97-Kurt Busch and #42-Jamie McMurray be released from their respective contracts with Jack Roush and Chip Ganassi in short order. That’s the word from Roush, who said Friday he figures the deal to send McMurray to Roush’s #97 and Busch to Roger Penske’s #2 Dodge to be completed very soon. “I think that if Jamie and Kurt are going to be mutually released — and I would put it in that order — then I think it’s very close to the time that’s going to happen,” Roush said. None of the remaining Silly Season dominos, most notably who will replace McMurray in Ganassi’s #42 Dodge next season, were resolved on Friday, but could be before the weekend is out.(Speed Channel)
AND Jack Roush said yesterday afternoon that an agreement still hadn't been reached in the three-way negotiations to move Jamie McMurray to Roush Racing and Kurt Busch to Penske in 2006. The deal, which also would send an unnamed driver to Chip Ganassi Racing to replace McMurray, has been in the works for weeks and was reported done by ESPN on Monday.(Richmond Times Dispatch)
AND II Kurt Busch and Jamie McMurray still don't know if they will be driving for new teams next year. The anticipated swap of drivers involving three teams isn't done. If a deal is done, the changes are these: Busch will leave Roush Racing and drive the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge next season, replacing Rusty Wallace. McMurray will replace Busch for Jack Roush. And someone – possibly Bobby Labonte or Ricky Rudd – will replace McMurray in the #42 Havoline Dodge. "Ultimately it's Jack's decision if we want to separate and move on," Busch said. "If we can work out all the details, great." Jack Roush said he isn't sure everything will get resolved. "I don't have a drop-dead date," he said. "Geoff Smith [team president] is handling those negotiations, and he said it needs to be done quickly." Roush was asked if he and Busch had spoken recently. "I haven't had a conversation with Kurt of any consequence since he told me he wanted to be released from his contract for 2006. I'm immune to frustration when it comes to Kurt Busch."(Dallas Morning News)....yikes!(11-5-2005)
Special Crew Member for Busch and Crown Royal scheme: Kurt Busch is hoping to regain last year's championship fortunes by adding one of Texas' favorite sons, Dallas Cowboys legend Tony Dorsett, to his Crown Royal #97 Ford team for Sunday's Dickies 500. Dorsett will join the Crown Royal team as an honorary pit crew member during the race at Texas Motor Speedway. Dorsett will meet with fans earlier in the day at the Crown Royal Experience Tent at the track. Crown Royal is the Official Whisky of Texas Motor Speedway.
AND The #97 Ford will be coated in Crown Royal purple and gold for the Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway this Sunday. This will be the seventh and last 2005 regular-season race that the #97 racecar will exhibit the Crown Royal colors. Previously, Kurt Busch drove the Crown Royal car to a 23rd place finish at Dover on September 25.(Alan Taylor Comm. PR), see image of the scheme on my #97 Team Schemes page.(11-3-2005)
More on the Busch McMurray 'swap': You get the feeling a formal announcement could come at any time, however Roush Racing President Geoff Smith denies reports a deal has been cut between car owners Jack Roush, Roger Penske and Chip Ganassi involving the early release of Kurt Busch and Jamie McMurray. Smith said “The fiction is the deal is done and the fact is the deal is not done. All the parties are working to try to have a solution that’s acceptable to everyone and we’re still a few pieces short although everyone is working in good faith trying to make it happen. My feeling is that we are at a 70-75% probability that it’s going to be done, but there are about twelve moving pieces and every single piece is conditioned on another. They all have to close or the whole thing unwinds.” (PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(11-1-2005)
Dominos Should Fall this week - Busch-McMurray released? UPDATE 2 McMurray release DENIED:: This will be the crucial week for a decision, Roush Racing president Geoff Smith says, in the long-running driver-swap negotiations involving Jack Roush's Kurt Busch, Chip Ganassi's Jamie McMurray, and Roger Penske. If it does happen, McMurray would join Roush [#97], and Busch would join Penske [#2]. "In order for it to work, there has to be a driver for Chip," Smith said. "Ten days ago it wasn't working for Chip, but now it can work, so I presume he's got somebody." That could be Ricky Rudd, who isn't saying what his 2006 plans are, but who is reportedly very close to a decision simply to retire at the end of the season. Or it could be Bobby Labonte. Or Labonte could be headed to Bill Davis, according to sources. If Labonte leaves Chevrolet's Joe Gibbs to join the soon-to-be-Toyota Davis team as Michael Waltrip's teammate, that would be a major pick up by Toyota, expected to join the Nextel Cup tour for the 2007 season. If Davis doesn't get Labonte, he will likely get Dave Blaney, according to sources. Blaney once drove for Davis. Penske officials, saying that Rudd isn't one of their options, agree that this is the week that will tell the tale, and they agree with Smith that the complicated deal will in fact be completed.(Winston Salem Journal)(10-31-2005)
UPDATE: ESPN's Mike Massaro is reporting that Roush Racing has released 2004 Nextel Cup Champ #97 Kurt Busch from his 2006 contract obligations, allowing Busch to go to the #2 Miller Lite Dodge that Rusty Wallace will be retiring from at the end of 2005. ALSO Massaro is reporting that Jamie McMurray has been released from his 2006 Ganassi Racing contract to drive the #42 Texaco Dodge, allowing him to go to Roush Racing, taking over for Busch in the #97/#28 car or whatever number they will use with Crown Royal as the primary sponsor.(ESPN.com) So......who goes to the #42 Texaco Havoline Dodge? I am still hearing it'll be Bobby Labonte, and other reports have Ricky Rudd taking the #42 ride over.(10-31-2005)
UPDATE 2: Jamie McMurray has not been released from his 2006 contract commitments at this time.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(11-1-2005)
Rudd to the #2? #97 to #28? MORE: Lee Spencer reports on Around the Track that Roger Penske spoke with Ricky Rudd regarding taking over the #2 ride if Kurt Busch is not released from the #97 team. The #97 is expected to switch to the #28 in 2006. Around the Track runs on Fox Sports South [TV] at 10:30pm/et tonight.(10-30-2005)
MORE: Bobby Labonte might be the most popular driver in the garage right now when it comes to teams that need drivers. What team wouldn't want to tease potential sponsors with a former champion? He has been mentioned as a candidate to drive the Nos. 43, 42 and 22. If Labonte drives the No. 43 for Petty Enterprises, Shell looks good as the sponsor. If Labonte jumps into the No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing ride, that opens the door for Jamie McMurray to move to Roush Racing to drive the #97 (which could switch numbers and become the 28). Kurt Busch could in turn take over the No. 2 Penske Racing car after Rusty Wallace retires. Roger Penske admitted in Atlanta that he had spoken to Ricky Rudd about possibly doing a one-year deal if Busch were not released, but the surest bet in the driver's roulette would be on Busch in the #2 at Daytona.(Sporting News)(10-31-2005)
Are the Kurt Busch and Jamie McMurray contract deals any closer? A: Yes. Now that team owner Chip Ganassi apparently has softened his stand against releasing McMurray from his contract one year early to join Roush Racing next season, the de facto three-way trade — McMurray to Roush, Busch to Penske, suitcases full of cash to Ganassi — could happen soon. Roush has always been willing to let Busch go to Penske a year early, provided the team gets another driver to take his place next season (preferably McMurray). And Roush Racing president Geoff Smith says he has convinced the #97 team's sponsors to extend their deadline for having a driver made final for next season. "My probability meter has gone from 2% to probably 50-50," Smith said.(USA Today)(10-28-2005)
Labonte to the #42? Hearing Bobby Labonte, driver of the #18 Interstate Batteries Chevy, is the top candidate to replace Jamie McMurray in the #42 Texaco-Havoline Dodge at Chip Ganassi Racing, which would allow #97-Kurt Busch to drive the #2 in 2006 and McMurray to head to Roush Racing and drive the #97. Both McMurray and Busch signed deals to go to those teams in 2007 and both are trying to get out of their contract to run with their new teams in 2006.(10-21-2005)
McMurray may get release from Ganassi....if UPDATE: Chip Ganassi has softened his stance regarding driver #42-Jamie McMurray, who wants out of his contract so he can drive for Roush Racing. McMurray signed a contract in July to drive for Roush beginning in 2007 [supposedly the #6, but now the #97], hoping that the early announcement would force Ganassi to let him leave at the end of this year. Ganassi steadfastly refused to even negotiate an early release. But on Friday, Ganassi sounded a little bit more flexible about finding a solution.
"There are no talks at this time, but there could be if someone came to me with a solution," Ganassi said. "I need a solution, not a pile of money. I need a driver to replace Jamie." The McMurray situation got complicated when Kurt Busch said he was leaving Roush to drive for Penske Racing in 2007. Penske has an opening next season in the #2 Miller Lite Dodge because Rusty Wallace is retiring and would like to put Busch in the car right away. But Roush will not let Busch leave because it would give him two holes to fill: Busch's ride, plus the seat McMurray was supposed to fill upon Mark Martin's retirement. It was believed Roush and Penske were trying to work out a deal, but any solutions would likely have to include Ganassi giving McMurray an early release. "Look, I am not going to be Jack Roush or Roger Penske's whipping boy," Ganassi said. "I'm the end of the line on this thing and I'm trying to put together my team, too." If nothing changes, Martin has indicated he will postpone retirement and drive one more season for Roush in the #6 Ford. If that happens, Roush said he'd likely put McMurray in Busch's seat (assuming Busch stays through 2006) and move Todd Kluever up to Martin's ride in 2007.(ESPN.com/AP)(10-15-2005)
UPDATE: Penske South officials remain optimistic that Kurt Busch will replace Rusty Wallace in 2006, but they say it will not happen unless Jamie McMurray is released to join Roush Racing. That would open the door for a three-way deal in which Penske would get Busch, Roush would get McMurray and Chip Ganassi Racing would get a driver to replace McMurray. “Jamie has to get free first,” said Penske Race president Don Miller before Saturday night’s Nextel Cup race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. “That’s the only way it’s going to work.” Roush president Geoff Smith agreed. “For us, that’s step one,” he said of McMurray, who is signed for the 2007 season to drive Busch’s No. 97 car. “They know what our criteria are. I believe there are discussions with Chip from Penske.” Ganassi, who has insisted for months that he would not release McMurray, softened his stance this weekend, saying he would be willing to listen. “I need a solution, not a pile of money,” he told reporters. “I need a driver to replace Jamie.” Because of tampering rules, most of the talks are between Busch’s attorneys and the attorneys at Penske and Roush Racing. Smith said he has made sure Busch’s lawyers have a list of available drivers that might interest Ganassi. But Smith and team owner Jack Roush said that driver will not come from Roush Racing. “I am not in negotiations for, nor do I have any personal preference to having him driving my car in 2006,” Roush said of McMurray, who originally was signed to replace Mark Martin in the No. 6 before Busch announced his deal with Penske for 2007. “I want him in my car in 2007. If things develop so he’s available, then there will be something (done) about that. I’m not going to offer up a junior driver and two choices in the future.”(The State)(10-16-2005)
Busch to run "Vise-Grip GrooveLock" Pliers Scheme at LMS: #97-Kurt Busch and the Irwin Industrial Tools Racing Team will introduce a new, larger than life paint scheme on the #97 Irwin Ford featuring the new revolutionary Vise-GripGrooveLock pliers. This weekend at Lowe's Motor Speedway, the car will be easy to find on the track as fans will be able to see the enormous GrooveLock plier's graphic on the rear quarter panels of the blue and yellow Irwin Ford Taurus. GrooveLock pliers are new groove-joint pliers that adjust quickly with the push of a Press-N-Slide button and have an all-purpose jaw to fit workpieces and fasteners of nearly any shape. Busch, who currently sits 10th in the championship hunt, has taken Irwin Industrial Tools paint-schemed cars to two victories this year - at Phoenix and at Pocono. His best career finish at Lowe's Motor Speedway came in last year's fall classic when he wound up fourth. New Irwin Vise-Grip GrooveLock pliers are available at home centers, I/C distribution centers and other tool retailers in 8-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch sizes. The suggested retail price for the 10-inch size is $20-24. For more information about Irwin's line of hand tools and power tool accessories, call 1-800-GO Irwin or visit www.Irwin.com or at irwinracing.com.(PR), see images on my #97 Team Scheme Page.(10-12-2005)
Busch not happy with Kenseth UPDATE: #97-Kurt Busch wasn't happy with his teammate, #17-Matt Kenseth, early in Sunday's race because he wouldn't let him lead a single lap - and gain five bonus points in the championship race. Kenseth said there are no company orders to help teammates, especially when that teammate is a competitor in the playoffs. "When you get in the Chase you've got to get all the points you can," Kenseth said. "You can't give points away. I'm sure (Busch) is mad at me." Jack Roush said he doesn't want his drivers to play favorites. "I don't expect them to do that," he said. "In fact, I'd be disappointed if they did that."(Augusta Chronicle)(10-10-2005)
UPDATE: Matt Kenseth admits he should have allowed teammate Kurt Busch to pass him for the lead early in Sunday's race at Kansas so Busch could gain the five bonus points for leading a lap. Kenseth didn't do that and defended his actions over his team's radio. "When it gets to the chase, we're all racing each other for the championship, and I'm not going to get beat by four points at the end of the year because I gave away a free five (points) somewhere," Kenseth said during the race. Tuesday, Kenseth changed his tune after talking with Busch and Busch's crew chief, Jimmy Fennig. "I think what I probably did wrong is when he was all over me, I probably should have let him lead a lap just because we were both abusing our cars. He ended up blowing a tire, and I ended up losing some track position because I was running so hard and my car didn't handle the way I thought it would and it ended up getting real tight. Things happen when you're in the car and the racer comes out in you, and that's what it's about is racing. I was looking behind me and I saw five (championship) chase cars behind me and I certainly didn't want everybody to get up there and get a bunch of points that they didn't have to."(Greensboro News and Record)(10-12-2005)
Kluever to the #6 in 2007, McMurray to #97: on Speed Channel's Trackside at Kansas City, multi-team owner [#'s 6,16,1,97,99] when asked about drivers for the future, said Todd Kluever, his Truck Series driver (who is moving to the Busch Series in 2006) would probably be in the #6 Ford in 2007 and Jamie McMurray would be in the #97 in 2007. No word on who would be in the #97 if Kurt Busch gets his release to the #2 Miller Lite Dodge for 2006, he signed for 2007. Roush also said Mark Martin will be in the #6 Ford in 2006.(10-7-2005)
Another Brickhouse at 'Dega: Richard Brickhouse won the first event ever held at Talladega, the 1969 Talladega 500. Thirty-six years later, Brickhouse's nephew Jeremy Brickhouse, will be high above the speedway as spotter for Kurt Busch's #97 Ford team.(Alabama Live)(10-1-2005)
More on McMurray/Busch moving on in 2006: #42-Jamie McMurray said leaving Chip Ganassi Racing a year early to join [#6] Roush Racing remains a possibility. "If people above me get things worked out and it happens, I'd rather be at Roush Racing next year because that's where my future is," said McMurray, who has a year left at Ganassi and signed with Roush for 2007. "It's going to be tough to stay with a team that you know you're not going to be with the following year." This week, #97-Kurt Busch affirmed #2-Rusty Wallace's comment at Dover that lawyers are working to move up Busch's departure from Roush Racing to Penske Racing South by a year.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(10-1-2005)
McMurray in the #97 instead of #6? UPDATE 2: here is a new one....from the Tampa Tribune: When Jamie McMurray [current #42 Texaco driver] joins Roush Racing in 2007, he may drive [Kurt] Busch's #97 Ford rather than Martin's #6 Ford as originally planned, Roush said. McMurray is scheduled to join Roush in 2007, after his contract with Chip Ganassi Racing expires. Busch is leaving no later than 2007 to take over Rusty Wallace's #2 Miller Lite Dodge at Penske Racing South in 2007. Busch's contract with Roush runs through next year.(Tampa Tribune)(9-13-2005)
UPDATE: Jack Roush confirmed on Sunday that Jamie McMurray, who is slated to move from Chip Ganassi Racing to Roush Racing in 2007, might wind up in the #97 Ford, which is being vacated by Kurt Busch. McMurray originally was pegged as the driver to take over the #6 Ford driven by Mark Martin. "Yes, there is a possibility of that," Roush said. "We're having discussions right now with sponsors and have several things on the table." Roush said he's close to finalizing his 2006 plans.(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
AND hearing Penske Racing and Roush Racing are close to working out as buyout deal for Kurt Busch so he can move to the #2 Miller Lite Dodge in 2006 and not have to wait until 2007, for which Busch signed to start.(9-19-2005)
UPDATE 2: Rusty Wallace said lawyers are currently working to get Kurt Busch out of his contract at Roush Racing so he can drive the #2 Dodge at Penske Racing South next year. "I know he wants to drive the car next year," Wallace said. "They're trying to get everything worked out."(Augusta Chronicle)(9-26-2005)
#97 Back in Crown Royal Purple at Dover: For the final time this season, the #97 Ford Taurus will be coated with Crown Royal purple & gold for the NASCAR Cup race at Dover International Speedway this Sunday, including a special logo that commemorates the Crown Royal Relief initiative. Previously, Busch drove the Crown Royal car to a victory at Richmond on September 10. To help aid relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina victims in the Gulf Coast area, Crown Royal and Diageo are auctioning on eBay a one-of-a-kind 2004 Chip Collins Custom Crown Royal Chopper motorcycle, including a helmet signed by the last two NASCAR Nextel Cup champions - Matt Kenseth and Kurt Busch. Bidding started on September 19 and will be open through September 29, more info on my Racing Charities page.
Voting for the Crown Royal IROC Legends of Victory Lane program has come to a close and now the four finalists that will be named to the first all-time IROC team will be announced and take part in special ceremonies at Atlanta Motor Speedway during the Oct. 29 race weekend. The nominees include: Mario Andretti, Mark Donohue, Dale Earnhardt, Hurley Haywood, Tom Kendall, Steve Kinser, Bobby Labonte, Mark Martin, Scott Pruett, Al Unser Jr., Bobby Unser and Cale Yarborough.(Alan Taylor Communications)(9-23-2005)
Busch out BEFORE end of season? sources close to Jack Roush say that Roush may indeed be releasing #97-Kurt Busch to Penske before the end of the season, though it still isn't clear just who Roush might have in mind to take that seat. Roush has steadfastly insisted he has no plans to release Busch.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-17-2005)
Gillette Young Guns - Weekly Update: By picking Kurt Busch as the highest finishing Gillette Young Gun in the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond, VA, on September 10, Jerry D. of Gaffney, SC, was the winner of the weekly Gillette Young Guns $5,000 Challenge. Jerry picked Kurt Busch as the highest finishing Young Gun by going to www.gilletteyoungguns.com and entering before the weekly deadline.
As the highest finishing Gillette Young Gun, a $1,000 donation will be made to the National Prostate Cancer Coalition (NPCC) on behalf of Kurt Busch. This is the seventh time this year that a donation in Busch's name has been made to the NPCC.
The Chase for the coveted NASCAR NEXTEL Cup is here, and so is your chance to win big. Fans who pick the correct finishing order of the Gillette Young Guns - Kurt Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Ryan Newman, and Matt Kenseth by going to www.gilletteyoungguns.com during the first six races of the "Chase" will have the chance to win $1 Million and a trip to the final race at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20.(Alan Taylor Communications)(9-17-2005)
Sharpie leaving Roush? Sharpie will grace Kurt Busch's #97 Ford this weekend at New Hampshire, but there has been talk that the sponsor's parent company, Newell-Rubbermaid, could be interested in spending its money elsewhere in 2007. One possibility could be securing the naming rights to Bristol Motor Speedway.(Sporting News)(9-13-2005)
Busch Release Cutoff is mid-Oct: Roush Racing president Geoff Smith said the cutoff date for releasing Kurt Busch to leave for Penske Racing South is mid-October. He added that Roush Racing and Busch’s sponsors are comfortable with leaving Busch in the #97 car next season. “At the same time, we’re trying to keep our eyes open for whether or not there is a substitution deal that is palatable for the sponsors, either short term or long term,” he said. Busch said the matter is in the hands of lawyers. Smith, who is a lawyer, said there are no apparent loopholes that would allow Busch to leave without a severe penalty. “In this environment that we’re in, where there are tens of millions of dollars at play, the penalty is almost beyond calculation when it comes to the cost of running a race team and having to rebuild it from scratch,” Smith said. “I couldn’t even total that. The only clean way to do it is just to release him from the contract.” Smith said the situation is the same for Chip Ganassi driver Jamie McMurray, who was signed by Roush Racing to replace Mark Martin in 2007. Martin is prepared to stay in the #6 car next season. “It’s done between us and Mark that he is going to come back if the window doesn’t open,” Smith said. “There’s a chance, but it’s only going to be open if Chip on his own and Jamie on his own separates.”(The State)(9-12-2005)
Last time Brothers won, back-to-back? Kyle Busch won last week at California Speedway and brother Kurt Busch won the race at Richmond this week, becoming hte first brothers to win races back-to-back since August 1995 when Bobby Labonte won at Michigan and the following week Terry Labonte won at Bristol.(9-11-2005)
Kurt Busch wins at Richmond, Newman gets 10th in Chase: #97-Kurt Busch won the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway, dominating the 2nd half of the race, leading 185 of 400 laps for his 14th career win and 3rd win of 2005. #17-Matt Kenseth finished 2nd, followed by #16-Greg Biffle, #5-Kyle Busch and #2-Rusty Wallace. It is the first time a team has had three drivers finish 1-2-3 in the same race since 1997 when Hendrick Motorsports had three in the Daytona 500. #12-Ryan Newman finished 12th, locking himself into 10th in The Chase by 66 points over #38-Elliott Sadler who finished 17th and ended up 11th in drivers points. #42-Jamie McMurray was 13 points behind Newman when he was involved in a wreck with #37-Raines, #21-Rudd, #20-Stewart on lap 364, with McMurray ended up in the wall and out of the race, finishing 40th and 89 out of 10th. Points leader, #20-Tony Stewart finished 7th and will see his 185 point lead over #16-Biffle shrink to 5 points starting next week at New Hampshire. #24-Jeff Gordon had a tough night, hit the wall once and finished 30th, 2 laps down and 89 points out of 10th.
For my race rundown, narritive, nots, caution info, lap leaders, etc, see Richmond Race Info/Rundown Page
For race results and links, see Jayski's Richmond Race Results Page.(9-10-2005)
Latest on Busch/Roush/Penske: Hanging over Jack Roush at the moment is the Kurt Busch affair. Busch has signed a contract to drive for Roger Penske beginning in 2007, and he says he'd like to leave Roush at the end of this season. Roush has so far said no. However, Penske officials say they fully expect to get Busch for next season, though it may not be until October that they can get everything sorted out. Roush though shows no signs of yielding. "The structure that surrounds our business, we need rules for the technical aspects of it, and we need rules and guidelines and to make commitments that work for our business ... and I guess we're going to have some trials with those things right now to see if the structure we've got with our business works so we can make guarantees," Roush said of the Busch contracts. But I'm looking to Kurt being in my car next season, and for (sponsors) Newell-Rubbermaid, Sharpie and Diageo (Crown Royal), to the extent that they negotiate with one another and get happy with it in 2006. And then we'll make new plans for 2007."(Winston Salem Journal)(8-29-2005)
#97 Sharpie MINI special paint scheme at Bristol: The NASCAR driver's skill is tested each year at Bristol Motor Speedway's half-mile track with 36-degree banked turns and bumper-to-bumper action. But this year, Sharpie MINI is shrinking the track even more when members from NASCAR's NEXTEL Cup teams and media are being asked to put the pedal to the metal, driving remote control cars en route to $5,000 in funds and $5,000 in school supplies for the winner's charity of choice on the afternoon of August 27. The mini race marks the official launch of the new Sharpie MINI marker, a 12-color marker series half the size of regular Sharpie markers and includes a clip cap that can be attached to just about anything. Kurt Busch, driver of the #97 Sharpie Ford and defending NEXTEL Cup champion, will wheel a miniaturized Sharpie MINI paint scheme during the charity race. The #97 Sharpie Mini paint scheme will hit the track for the fifth annual Sharpie 500 August 27. Sharpie MINI 500 drivers will also be asked for their autographs in support of Sharpie's Autographs for Education program. The nationwide program is seeking one million autographs in exchange for $1 million in school supplies and funds. Sharpie Mini markers are available at office supply stores and other retailers nationwide in twelve bold colors: black, red, blue, green, orange, berry, lime, aqua, purple, plum, navy and burgundy. Suggested retail prices for 2-, 8- and 12-packs are $5.93, $11.73 and $17.78, respectively. Sharpie Retractable Asks You To Put Your Autograph on Education...be part of one million signatures to raise $1 million in funds and supplies. Visit sharpie.com to make your mark! (Sharpie PR)
see mages of the scheme on my #97 Team Schemes page.
AND As the sun goes down and engines fire on Saturday at BMS, Sharpie is asking 165,000 fans for their autographs. Billed as the 'World's Largest Autograph Session," the signatures will support Sharpie's Autographs for Education program. The Sharpie 500 is playing host to NASCAR's elite under the lights at Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) August 27 as 10 drivers inch closer to the "Race for the Chase" in the NEXTEL Cup Series. Before the gentlemen start their engines, Sharpie, the popular brand of permanent markers widely known as the autograph pen of choice, is asking more than 165,000 spectators in the BMS grandstands for their autographs in the name of the Sharpie Retractable "Autographs for Education" program. The world's largest autograph session supports Sharpie's effort to collect one million autographs in exchange for $1 million in school supplies and funds nationwide. Prior to the Sharpie 500, race-goers will receive a Sharpie "World's Largest Autograph Session" sticker when entering the track. Individuals will then be invited to autograph their sticker, with a Sharpie marker of course, for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind commemorative print signed by all 43 drivers before the start of the race. Those fans who are unable to attend the race may also participate at sharpie.com.(8-24-2005)
Roush decision on Busch in 3-4 weeks: Car owner [#'s 6,16,17,92,99] Jack Roush says he probably won't decide #97-Kurt Busch's 2006 plans "for three or four weeks," while Geoff Smith, the head of Roush Racing, reviews sponsorship commitments and options in assessing whether to let Busch leave to join Roger Penske.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-20-2005)
Fennig Says He's Staying With Roush: Roush Racing #97 crew chief, Jimmy Fennig, a man of very few words said on Friday morning that he will not follow his current driver Kurt Busch to Penske Racing -- his loyalities are to the team owner. "I'll Stay with Jack (Roush) no matter what," says Fennig. Was Fennig surprised that Busch had jumped ship and signed with Penske and was he upset at the turn of events? "It was pretty much a surprise, but that's racing," Fennig continued, "Was I upset -- No? Life goes on"(Insiderracing.com)(8-20-2005)
Roush not letting Busch go in 2006 UPDATE...well..maybe: Nextel Cup champion #97-Kurt Busch will be back to fulfill the final year of his contract with Roush Racing because his car owner will not let him go early. Jack Roush said Busch sought a release for 2006 after telling him earlier this week that he had a deal for 2007 with Roger Penske. "He said, 'I don't want to negotiate with you for 2007,'" Roush recalled Friday at Watkins Glen International. "I said, OK, and he said, 'I want to be released for 2006.' I said not OK." Busch said he understood that and is focused on winning another title or two before moving to Penske. He has called the Penske ride an "opportunity of a lifetime," and a challenge to prove he can win with a different team. He's hoping something still can be worked out that will permit him to move into the No. 2 Dodge next season, but didn't sound optimistic. "It's Jack's decision," he said. "We'll see what happens." Roush already is faced with trying to fill one of his five cars for next season. He has signed Jamie McMurray to replace Mark Martin in 2007, but is leaning on Martin to delay by a year his retirement from full-time Cup racing. Martin wants to move to the Truck series next season. McMurray wants to leave Chip Ganassi Racing after 2005. Like Busch, he can't get out of the final year of his contract. "That's not even on the radar screen," Ganassi said before the cars began practice for Sunday's Sirius Satellite Radio at the Glen. "His status has always been the same." So, Busch can't go to Penske as a replacement for the retiring Rusty Wallace, and McMurray is staying put. Will somebody give in and break the logjam? Ganassi and Roush certainly don't sound as if they will. Roush made that clear to Busch, saying he expected the driver to keep his commitment and that he was keeping commitments to his sponsors. "We'll have to work our way through this," he told Busch. "But the thing I'll give you today is that you shouldn't expect a release for 2006." Busch was asked if he thought his departure after this season would be best for everyone. "You could speculate on that," he said. "For me, I'm happy wherever I go." He called 2006 a question mark but said he has a great opportunity to win for either car owner. Beyond that Busch would not comment on 2007. "I've got 2005 to drive for this championship," he said. "We're in good position. We're fifth in the points. It's hard to go into the future." He called the team's chemistry great and said there is no misunderstanding among crew members about why he wanted to move to Penske. "They know that it wasn't them. They know that it wasn't me," he said. "They know that it wasn't Roush Racing. They know that it's this business." Busch said there would be no letdown in his level of intensity, whether it be practice, qualifying or racing.(ESPN.com/AP)
UPDATE - well...maybe: [#6, #16, #17, #97, #99] Car owner Jack Roush is still thinking about letting Nextel Cup champion Kurt Busch out of the final year of his contract in 2006. "We will consider releasing him, but it's not presumed that we will," Roush said Monday at Darlington Raceway [Gong Show]. "We've got to consider ... the interests of our sponsors and the commitments we've made to our sponsors and to our people within the organization ... to see how it all fits together if we decide to have Kurt drive the #97 car. Right now, the presumption is that he'll be in the car in 2006 because that's a commitment he's made to me and I've made commitments to others around that," Roush said. Last week, Busch signed a deal to drive for Roger Penske in 2007 and asked Roush to be released from his current contract after this season. Roush already faces a high-profile opening next season with Mark Martin's pending retirement. Roush signed Jamie McMurray to replace Martin in 2007 but does not have anyone lined up to drive the #6 car next year. McMurray wants to leave Chip Ganassi Racing after 2005 but can't get out of the final year of his agreement. Roush said that's OK with him. "I don't want Jamie McMurray to drive for me in 2006," the owner said. "I want him to do exactly for Chip Ganassi what he's agreed to do, and I don't want to interfere with that. There's no circumstance under which I would consider a bargain or try to make a deal for that to happen." Roush understood that Busch had a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to go with Penske. Still, "the thing with Kurt's been tough," Roush said. "He's been a challenge in a lot of ways. A lot of talented, bright and effective people are. He knows what he's looking for and is impatient with the things that don't line up for him."(ESPN.com/AP)(8-15-2005)
Driver Money: According to sources, Penske is giving Kurt Busch a five-year contract for anywhere between $6 million and $12 million a year. It is unclear what Busch is making with Roush, but the average Cup driver makes $3 million-plus a year, plus whatever he can generate in souvenir sales and through personal-services contracts. At the top end, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon are reported to be making about $20 million a year each.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-13-2005)
More on Busch to Penske...souvenir sales part of it? According to sources close to #97-Kurt Busch, one reason for his decision [to leave Roush and go to Penske] could be related to the souvenir-sales part of the business. Roush controls most of his drivers' souvenir sales, and personal-services deals must also be funneled through him. Drivers can make as much as $2 million a year off souvenir sales.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-11-2005)
Busch to leave Roush after 2006; to the #2 UPDATE 2: Roush Racing announced today that Kurt Busch has advised team officials that he has signed with another team commencing in 2007. The name of the team is not known. Kurt also requested a release from his contract for 2006. Due to sponsor and team considerations no decision on that request will be made for an indefinite period. Roush Racing will have no further comment at this time.(Roush Racing PR), could be the #2 Penske Racing team, but what about 2006 if Busch can't break his contract? Sources tell me it is for Penske Racing and hopes are that Busch will be able to buy out his contract and run the #2 Miller Lite Dodge in 2006. Odd that Rosuh is now in the same position that their signing of Jamie McMurray put Ganassi Racing in, as McMurray was signed by Roush to drive the #6 Ford for Roush in 2007, but hopes to get out of his contract to drive the car in 2006. Current driver of the #2 Miller Lite Dodge is Rusty Wallace, who is retiring and says he will not unretire and come back in 2006, unlike #6-Mark Martin who is also retiring BUT has agreed to run one more year if McMurray is not let out of his contract with Ganassi, which also runs thru 2006. Hard enough keeping up with what is happening next week let along in 2007, interesting trend we have going here. Looks like the new way of trying to get out of a contract.(8-9-2005)
UPDATE: Penske Racing South announced today that it has signed Kurt Busch, 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Champion, to a multi-year contract to drive for the team beginning with the 2007 season.(Penske Racing PR)(8-9-2005)
UPDATE 2: Kurt Busch Statement regarding leaving Roush Racing and taking over the #2 Miller Lite Dodge in 2007 and his commitment to the #97 team: "I met with Jack Roush personally Tuesday morning to let him know that I am committed to Rousch Racing and the #97 team as we attempt to defend our Nextel Cup Championship this season and through the remainder of my contract, but that I have signed a multi-year agreement to drive the Penske Racing South #2 car beginning in 2007. We did briefly address, solely as a matter of timing, the possibility of a release from my 2006 contract with Roush Racing, but that is Jack's decision. There are a lot of factors involved in a release and no immediate decision was made. All of this, however, is in the future. For as long as I am in the #97 car, my total focus and commitment will be to Roush Racing, its sponsors and on our collective goal to win another Nextel Cup Championship. I look forward to success this weekend at Watkins Glen and hopefully solidifying our position in the 2005 Chase for the Cup."(Kurt Busch Inc. PR)(8-10-2005)
Kenseth and Penske? Busch? Rumors persist that Roush Racing's Matt Kenseth is the top choice to replace Rusty Wallace, who's retiring, in the #2 Penske Racing car. Sources say Kenseth is sponsor Miller Brewing Co.'s first choice. Plus, Kenseth and his wife, Katie, are good friends of Penske driver Ryan Newman.(Sporting News)
BUT: ....there were reports yesterday that Roger Penske had indeed approached Jack Roush with an offer of some sort for Kenseth, but that Roush had dismissed it out of hand. Penske continues to decline comment on his driver search. Is Kenseth's contract for sale? "Absolutely not," Roush Racing's Geoff Smith said. However, Smith said he hasn't had an opportunity yet to talk with Kenseth about the Penske report. "I've been traveling around on sponsorship business, and I've been trying to track him down to ask him," Smith said. Smith says he's confident that Kenseth will remain with Roush: "Matt is very happy about being at Roush Racing, and we've had some discussions about going forward." Kenseth's contract with Roush runs through the end of 2006, and Smith says he is working on a long-term renewal. Penske is down to two men in his search for a driver to replace Rusty Wallace next season. Penske will make his announcement by Sept. 1.(Winston Salem Journal), also hearing it could be Busch, but he is signed thru 2006.(8-8-2005)
Busch to help folks get home safe: Leading up to this weekend's Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, defending NASCAR Nextel Cup champion Kurt Busch will take his driving off the track by partnering with Crown Royal in its signature "Safe Rides Home" program. As part of this initiative to promote responsible drinking and getting home safely, Crown Royal and Busch will launch a fleet of #97 Fords in downtown Indianapolis, offering bar patrons rides in replicas of the purple and gold Crown Royal #97 Ford - some will even be personally driven home by NASCAR champion Kurt Busch himself. On Thursday, August 4, from 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m., consumers are encouraged to sign up at a special Crown Royal #97 taxi stand outside participating bars on Meridian Street (just north of Jackson Place) for a safe ride home. In total, 10 Crown Royal cars will be in rotation and residents within a 20-mile radius of Indianapolis that are 21 years of age or older are eligible for rides. There is a four-passenger limit per car. Consumers can sign up for free rides home at a specially decorated taxi kiosk in downtown Indianapolis as part of Crown Royal's "Be a Champion. Drink Responsibly" program that promotes responsible drinking. For more information go: www.crownroyalracing.com
Crown Royal's integrated motorsports marketing plan includes primary sponsorship of the #97 car at six races during the 2005 season, including the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. When Crown Royal is not a primary sponsor, the brand supports Kurt as an associate sponsor of the #97 car throughout the 2005 season.(Alan Taylor Communications)(8-4-2005)
Kurt Busch wins at Pocono, Roush Sweeps: #97-Kurt Busch won the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway, leading 131 of 203 laps for his 2nd win of 2005 and 13th of his career. With #99-Carl Edwards win at Pocono in June, Roush Racing swept the two Pocono races in 2005, Rounding out the top-five were #2-Rusty Wallace, #6-Mark Martin, #99-Carl Edwards and #12-Ryan Newman. #0-Mike Bliss had a nice run and finished 9th for his first top 10 of the season. Pole sitter #42-Jamie McMurray never led a lap but was in the top-10 most of the day until finishing 11th. Points leader #48-Jimmie Johnson got a lap down, got the lucky dog and finished 12th, maintaining the points lead by 66 over #20-Tony Stewart who moved up to 2nd in points after #16-Greg Biffle had a tire go down late in the race. #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. finishing 32nd after being unable to get a handle on his car more the early part of the race.
For the race rundown, cautions, laps led, see my Pocono Race Info/Rundown Page
For race results and links, see Jayski's Pennsylvania 500 Race Results Page.
For points standings see Jayski's Drivers/Owners Points after Pocono page.
Chase stats updated after Pocono, see Chase Stats after Pocono page.(7-24-2005)
Fennig Wins Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race Award at NHIS: After Kurt Busch made an early spin in Sunday's New England 300, nearly everyone considered the defending race champ out of contention. Despite the setback, Busch, with guidance from crew chief Jimmy Fennig, stormed back to finish the race in second place. Busch's clutch performance marked his fifth top-10 finish in nine races at New Hampshire International Speedway, including four top-fives. For engineering his driver's comeback, Fennig was voted the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race.
Busch qualified his #97 Irwin Industrial Tools Taurus in 5th place, but his track position took a turn for the worse after he spun out in the first forty laps of the event. The incident dropped Busch to the tail-end of the field. To make things worse, Busch overshot his pit stall on the following yellow flag. Once again Busch fell back in the pack, but good pit stops and a strong handling car gave Busch the ammunition he needed to charge through the field.
The panel of voters; including Chuck Givler of the Easton Express-Times, a Wypall Wipers representative and Robbie Reiser; all agreed that Fennig was the crew chief who made the biggest difference in the race.
Doug Richert leads the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year standings with five wins. Alan Gustafson and Robbie Loomis are tied for second place with two wins. Tommy Baldwin, Scott Miller, Bob Osborne, Fatback McSwain, Greg Zipadelli, Steve Hmiel, Jimmy Fennig and Pete Rondeau are in a tie for third place, each with one win. At the end of the season, the crew chief with the most weekly wins will receive $20,000. Fans can also vote for their choice at wypall.com.(SMC 500)(7-18-2005)
ESPY Nom for Busch: Kurt Busch is one of four nominations in the Best Driver category for the 2005 ESPY Awards. The 2005 ESPY winners will be announced during the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles on July 13. The ESPYs will be televised on ESPN and ESPN Deportes on July 17 at 9:00pm/et..(Alan Taylor Communications), others nominated are: NHRA's Greg Anderson, F-1's Michael Schumacher [won the exciting race at Indy], IRL's Dan Wheldon.(6-29-2005)
Smirnoff Ice scheme for #97 at Daytona...and a cool program..today: Smirnoff ICE, with Busch and his 'Smirnoff Ice pit crew,' will partner with the Repair One Automotive of Daytona Beach to provide free automobile safety checks on Wednesday, June 29 (2:00-7:00 p.m.) in Daytona Beach. As part of Smirnoff ICE's "Be Smart, Drink Responsibly" program, the "Smirnoff ICE Summer Safety Zone," will check tire pressure, fluid levels, belts, headlights, turn signals, wiper blades and others. Busch's 'Smirnoff Ice pit crew' team will work in tandem with RepairOne's ASE certified, trained technicians to perform the safety checks. Busch will sign autographs for participating motorists of legal drinking age and safe driving literature will also be distributed to participating motorists. The Smirnoff ICE Summer Safety Zone will be located eastbound on International Speedway Blvd., just outside of Turn 1 of the Speedway in the Daytona Beach Kennel Club parking lot. The Pepsi 400, held on Saturday, July 2, is the second of three races this year where Smirnoff ICE will serve as the primary sponsor of Busch's #97 Ford.(Alan Taylor Communications)(6-29-2005)
Crown Royal back on the #97: The #97 Ford Taurus of Kurt Busch will be coated in Crown Royal purple and gold for the Sonoma road-course race at Infineon Raceway on June 26. This will be the second of six regular-season races that the #97 racecar will exhibit the Crown Royal colors. Previously, Busch drove the Crown Royal car to a sixth-place finish in the non-points Shootout race at Daytona International Speedway, and a 19th-place finish at Martinsville Speedway in April. The Crown Royal Experience is a unique traveling Motorsports Museum spread over 10,000 square feet featuring multiple show cars and racing memorabilia from different racing series. The experience is open to fans 21 years of age and over at all NASCAR races. Crown Royal has unveiled a national television commercial starring the #97 Ford Taurus. Titled "Pace Car," the execution features the #97 racecar leading a fleet of automobiles in pace car formation through winding rural, suburban and city streets, eventually ending at a racetrack. The ad is punctuated with a voice over declaring, "Pacing is everything, especially when drinking," and closes with the brand's social responsibility tagline, "Be a Champion. Drink Responsibly." This marked the very first spirits ad since NASCAR announced it was allowing spirits companies to sponsor race teams. The ad can be viewed on the internet at www.crownroyalracing.com. Kurt Busch recently filmed a broadcast television Public Service Announcement (PSA) about responsible drinking. The PSA is part of Crown Royal's commitment to promote responsible drinking with millions of NASCAR's adult fans through its "Be a Champion. Drink Responsibly." campaign. The PSA is scheduled to air throughout the summer and fall months.(Alan Taylor Communications)(6-21-2005)
Roush 2006 lineup complete.....almost: Geoff Smith, president of Roush Racing, said Friday that the Roush lineup for 2006 is all but complete, with sponsors and drivers for four of its five Nextel Cup cars showing no major changes. DeWalt will return to Matt Kenseth's #17, National Guard/Subway/etc. to Greg Biffle's #16, Rubbermaid/Smirnoff and others with Kurt Busch's #97, and all races accounted for with Carl Edwards's #99. The million-dollar question, of course, has been who will take over for retiring veteran Mark Martin in the flagship #6. Sponsor Pfizer will leave after this season, as has been known for weeks, but Smith said the sponsor issue is more a matter of placing the right company with the right driver. Smith continues to hint that Jon Wood, still under contract with Roush while driving on loan in the Busch Series, could be the front-runner for the job. "We have at least one sponsor who is very interested in Jon," Smith said. Smith also dismissed reports that Valvoline, one-time primary sponsor of Martin and the #6, could return as sponsor of Martin's Roush-backed Craftsman Truck effort next season. Smith said Roush Racing has a company-wide supplier agreement with Quaker State [Pennzoil], and that such a nostalgic coupling would not be possible.(Ford Racing)(6-18-2005)
#97 in Smirnoff colors at Dover: #97-Kurt Busch will run the Smirnoff Ice colors this week at Dover, Busch’s #97 Ford Taurus returns to the Sharpie colors for the next three races.(Roush Racing)(6-4-2005)
Busch cameramen shove no big deal to NASCAR: After #97-Kurt Busch’s first accident Sunday in the Coca-Cola 600, I [Cup Scene Daily] rushed from the media center to the garage area to see Busch’s car pulling into his stall. A frustrated Busch left the garage area and head to his hauler to collect his thoughts. In route, right outside the garage, it looked as though he shoved a local TV news cameraman, Mike Thomas, aside. The cameraman felt the incident was no big deal and that he (the cameraman) was simply in the way of a frustrated driver. "It looked like he lowered his shoulder before he hit me, but I don't think he was trying to do anything on purpose," Thomas said. "He certainly didn't say anything to me to make me think I had done something wrong." Asked about the incident later, NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said the incident was a non-issue as far as the sanctioning body goes. “It’s no big deal to (NASCAR)”, said Jim Hunter.(Cup Scene Daily)(5-31-2005)
Smirnoff on the #97: Kurt Busch's #97 Ford Taurus sports the colors of Smirnoff Ice at the Coca-Cola 600 for the first of three times this season. The colors will also run at Daytona in July and California in Sept.(Roush Racing)(5-25-2005)
#97 to run Blue Blade scheme at All-Star Race: Kurt Busch and his #97 IRWIN Industrial Tools Racing Team will run an "Unbreakable" theme this week at Lowe's Motor Speedway as Busch will sport a unique silver, blue and yellow paint scheme to showcase IRWIN Blue Blade utility knife blades during the NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge, Saturday, May 21. The IRWIN Blue Blade is a revolutionary utility blade that is unbreakable under normal work conditions. Its patented, bi-metal technology sets new standards of performance by delivering an unbreakable blade that lasts longer than standard utility blades. And since it's unbreakable, it's also safer to work with. The IRWIN Blue Blade is further enhanced by the quick and easy functionality and comfort of IRWIN Utility Knives, which recently received top honors in a test conducted by Tools of the Trade magazine. For more information about the IRWIN line of hand tools and power tool accessories, call 1-800-GO IRWIN or visit irwin.com.(Roush Racing/IRWIN Industrial Tools)(5-19-2005)
Champ watches from Tower: #97-Kurt Busch spent Friday night's Busch Series race in the scoring tower at Richmond for an inside look at what officials do during a race. Was Busch genuinely interested in seeing how it all works? Or was he just kissing up to NASCAR in the wake of his most recent outburst? "I hope he was genuinely interested," said Jim Hunter, NASCAR vice president of communications. "He appeared to be. I think he clearly understands that his behavior under the conditions at Darlington was inappropriate, was just wrong — and especially wearing the champion's crown."
Busch was penalized during the May 7 race at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway for not lining up in the correct position behind the pace car for a restart. Already frustrated by a first-lap crash that caused severe damage to his car, Busch boiled over about the penalty. He made profane remarks directed at NASCAR officials over his in-car radio, revved his engine in anger after officials ordered him to turn it off and threw a water bottle in the direction of an official standing next to his car. Addressing the media earlier in the day Friday, Busch said, "I'm not there to bend any of the rules. I'm there to abide by them and as the champion to represent the sport."(USA Today)(5-18-2005)
#97 Crew Wins Tyson Crew Championship: Kurt Busch's #97 team won the National Pit Crew Championship, defeating Jeremy Mayfield's #19 crew in the final round with a mistake-free stop Monday night. in Mooresville, NC. Busch's crew, which helped him win the Nextel Cup championship last season, didn't make a single mistake during the competition and picked up $100,000 for the win. Mayfield's team earned $25,000 for finishing second. Joe Nemechek's #01-crew was third -- missing out on a spot in the finals because of a two-second penalty for a loose lug nut in the semifinals. The competition was a bracket-style tournament that pitted crews against each other in four rounds. Teams had to change four tires and fill the car with fuel in a race against the stopwatch. Each tire changer had to push a button on the wall to stop the clock, and many teams had a team member pick the changer up and throw him at the wall. Penalties were issued for loose lug nuts, excessive fuel spillage, or not getting enough gas in the car. Mayfield's crew went up against Busch's team, which completed its stop in 16.342 seconds. Mayfield's team clocked in at 16.439, but was penalized four seconds for two loose lug nuts.
An additional $500,000 was up for grabs in a bonus round, open to the top three finishing teams and one wild card, which was Greg Biffle's #16-crew. The crews had to complete an error-free stop in 14.437 seconds to earn the money. Busch's crew came close -- front tire changer Scott Ward did his part in 14.121 seconds and celebrated by jumping on the hood of his car. But rear changer Kevin Gillman clocked in at 14.900, just short of the bonus.
The winning crew members were: Mark Full (front tire carrier), Scott Ward (front tire changer), Scott Radel (jackman), Doug Newell (fueler), Jim Gaudette (catch can), Kevin Gillman (rear tire changer), Jason Binger (rear tire carrier) and Wayne DeLoria (coach). The four Cup teams from Hendrick Motorsports declined to participate [no idea why].
NASCAR and Nextel will also hold a pit crew competition. That event is scheduled for May 19th at the Charlotte Coliseum, and the Hendrick teams are participating in that one. Because two competitions is one too many, both sides have agreed to try to merge it into one event next season. So all eyes were on this one to see how it would unfold. The temporary bleachers were filled to capacity -- roughly 4,000 fans -- and several drivers were on hand to support their crews.(ESPN.com/AP)(5-10-2005)
No fine for Busch...this time: #97-Kurt Busch crashed on the first lap of Saturday's race at Darlington Raceway, forcing him to retreat to the garage area for repairs. He eventually re-entered the race but later ignored officials' instructions during a caution period on where he should line up for a restart. Busch was ordered to pit road to serve a penalty. Busch responded with offensive language over his in-car radio communications system, revved his engine when officials ordered him to shut his car off and threw a water bottle that hit an official standing in his pit area. Roush Racing President Geoff Smith says Busch was frustrated by the crash, which left him nursing a damaged, uncompetitive car around a narrow, difficult track for the rest of the night to gain championship points. Busch has been involved in a total of seven on-track incidents this season, tied for third-most in the series this year, according to USA TODAY database research. Smith says Busch lost his temper after officials assessed a penalty Smith called "questionable. So he fought it — and lost, of course," Smith says. Smith doesn't expect Busch to receive further penalties from NASCAR this week. "I think he is definitely aware of where he stands today," NASCAR vice president of communications Jim Hunter said in an e-mail. "Without going into any further detail, he certainly knows NASCAR is not going to tolerate any future temper tantrums. President Mike Helton made our position very clear." Says Smith: "He's now on notice. So if there's anything else, there's going to be a penalty associated with it."(USA Today)(5-10-2005)
Busch acts up at Darlington, "actions not befitting of a champion": #97-Kurt Busch hit the [inside] wall on the first lap at Darlington Raceway. Then he hit an official with a water bottle, bad-mouthed NASCAR over his radio and ended up in a closed-door meeting with series officials. "His actions were certainly not befitting of a champion,'' NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said after the Dodge Charger 500. "He said things that are not fit for print.'' Busch knew it was going to be a bad night seconds after the race began. He had started 11th, but didn't even get a full lap in before he spun out coming out of the fourth turn and hit the inside retaining wall. He took the #97 Ford into the garage so his crew could make enough repairs for Busch to continue racing. Later in the race, NASCAR said Busch moved into the wrong position on the track under caution. Officials ordered him to stop and get in line where he was supposed to be, but Busch refused. He was sent into the pits for a two-lap penalty, and NASCAR officials took offense to the language he used over the radio. They ordered him to turn his engine off, and he responded my revving it. He also tossed a water bottle out of his window that hit the official in his pit. Busch was then summoned to meet with NASCAR after the race. Although series officials looked less than pleased with the champion, Busch emerged from their hauler with a huge grin on his face, but nothing to say.(ESPN.com/AP)(5-8-2005)
Busch crashes into ambulance at Road America UPDATE: During a mid-morning track test session at Road America [4 mile road course, Elkhart Lake, WI], #97-Kurt Busch drove through a tire barrier and hit an ambulance. Although two ambulance personnel were taken to the hospital for minor injuries, Bush was not hurt in the accident. According to Busch, a loose brake fitting caused break failure as he went into turn five. The incident is under review by the Road America Safety Team.(5-3-2005)
UPDATE: It's news enough that Nextel Cup champion Kurt Busch came to Wisconsin in early May to test his Cup car at Road America, considering NASCAR hasn't competed at the 4-mile road course in Elkhart Lake since 1956. Then you learn that he crashed and hit an ambulance. Two workers were treated for minor injuries and released from a Sheboygan hospital after the accident Monday in Turn 5, according to a track spokeswoman. Busch's crash occurred when a brake line failure caused him to lose control, Roush Racing said. Busch aimed for a tire barrier in the runoff area in Turn 5, a sharp, downhill lefthander, and then hit the ambulance, which was parked in a standard location, the spokeswoman said. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(5-6-2005)
Gillette Young Guns - Weekly Update By picking Kurt Busch as the highest finishing Gillette Young Gun in the Subway Fresh 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on April 23rd, Arnold B. of Tarboro, NC was the winner of the weekly Gillette Young Guns $5,000 Challenge. Arnold picked Busch as the highest finishing Gillette Young Gun by going to www.gilletteyoungguns.com and entering before the weekly deadline. As the highest finishing Gillette Young Gun, a $1,000 donation will be made to the National Prostate Cancer Coalition (NPCC) on behalf of Busch. This is the second time this season a donation has been made to the NPCC on behalf of Busch.(Alan Taylor Communications)(4-29-2005)
Busch wins Mid-Race Leader Award: #97-Kurt Busch won the MBNA Mid-Race Leader Award last weekend by leading Saturday's NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Subway Fresh 500 at halfway mark. Busch earned the $10,000 prize and then collected another $5,000 by going on to win the race. The MBNA Mid-Race Leader race-win bonus will reset to $5,000 for next week's race at Talladega Super Speedway a result of Busch's victory. It was the second week in-a-row, and only the second time all season that the winner of the MBNA Mid-Race Leader Award went on to win the race as #16-Greg Biffle did the same at Texas, since the award hadn't been won in 2005, Biffle pocketed an extra #35,000 as the awrd rolls over from race-to-race. I keep tabs of the winners of this and the leader on my Talladega Race Info/Rundown page. MBNA Mid-Race Leader will be eligible for $10,000 + $5,000 available bonus if they also win the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Super Speedway.(MBNA PR)(4-27-2005)
Busch wins at Phoenix: #97-Kurt Busch won the Subway Fresh 500
Phoenix International Raceway, holding off #15-Michael Waltrip who got close, but could quite catch Buach and almost wacked the wall, but held on for 2nd. It is Busch's first win of 2005 and his 12th career win. Busch dominated the race from the get-go and led 219 or 312 laps. The rest of the top five was #31-Burton, #8-Earnhardt Jr. and #25-Vickers. #24-Gordon, who started on the pole, only led four laps and finished 12th. #48-Johnson finished 15th and increases his points lead, however his streak of 13 straight races finishing with a top-10 finish. #09-Johnny Sauter gave the James Finch team a lift with a 9th place finish. #92-Stanton Barrett finished a respectible 30th and was the 2nd highest rookie of the race with #77-Kvapil not finishing the race. The race will re-air on Speed Channel, Thursday, April 28th at 2:00pm/et.
For my race rundown, see my Phoenix Race Info/Rundown Page for race leaders, DNF's, lucky dogs, some narratives on the race and cautions.
For race results and links, see Jayski's Phoenix Race Results/Awards page for points standings, see Jayski's Drivers/Owners Points after Phoenix page.(4-23-2005)
Busch feeling better this week: Nextel Cup Series Champ #97-Kurt Busch says he’s feeling great heading into Saturday night’s race at Phoenix. Busch, who has recently taken a series of hard hits…the latest being at Texas during the IROC race…spent time resting and rehabbing this week. “I was sitting in the hot tub, going to a physical trainer getting stretched out. I even stopped by Dr. Jerry Petty’s office that does a lot back x-rays and spinal work for the NASCAR series and everything was 100% so we’re gonna be alright.”(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show/Sporting News)(4-22-2005)
Irwin Tools back on the #97, first time in 2005: Kurt Busch’s #97 Ford Taurus sports the colors of IRWIN Industrial Tools at Texas for the first time this season. The IRWIN car will run the next six events through the NEXTEL All-Star Challenge at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte on May 21st.(Roush Racing)(4-15-2005)
Crown Royal Regular Season Debut at Martinsville: Crown Royal will make its regular season debut as a primary sponsor of Kurt Busch's #97 Ford this weekend at Martinsville Speedway. This will be the first of five races that the #97 will exhibit the Crown Royal colors. Previously, Busch drove the Crown Royal car to a sixth place finish in the non-points Shootout race during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway. This week Kurt Busch participated in a broadcast television Public Service Announcement (PSA) on responsible drinking. The PSA is part of Crown Royal's commitment to promote responsible drinking with millions of NASCAR's adult fans through its "Be a Champion. Drink Responsibly." campaign. The PSA is scheduled to air throughout the summer and fall months. Crown Royal has unveiled a national television commercial starring the #97 Ford Taurus. Titled "Pace Car," the execution features the #97 racecar leading a fleet of automobiles in pace car formation through winding rural, suburban and city streets, eventually ending at a racetrack. The ad is punctuated with a voice over declaring, "Pacing is everything, especially when drinking," and closes with the brand's social responsibility tagline, "Be a Champion. Drink Responsibly." This marked the very first spirits ad since NASCAR announced it was allowing spirits companies to sponsor race teams.(Alan Taylor Communications), see image of the car on my #97 Team Schemes page.(4-6-2005)
Diageo and Kurt Busch: Kids and Alcohol Don't Mix: In recognition of April as Alcohol Awareness Month, Diageo is donating its space on Kurt Busch's #97 Ford during this weekend's race in Bristol to "Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don't Mix" - a multimedia program that provides parents with important tools to talk to their children about the consequences of underage drinking. The space, which covers the lower hood and rear quarter panel areas of the car, is normally occupied by the company's Crown Royal and Smirnoff ICE brand logos. Busch will carry a special message on the No. 97 Sharpie Retractable "Autographs for Education" Ford during this weekend's Food City 500 race at Bristol Motor Speedway: kids and alcohol don't mix. For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit diageo.com.(Alan Taylor Communications)(4-1-2005)
Busch to run special scheme at Bristol: Kurt Busch and the #97 Sharpie team aim to make a mark on racing history by earning a fourth spring race victory in a row at Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) April 3. Busch is also putting his autograph on education during the Food City 500, driving a special Sharpie Retractable "Autographs for Education" paint scheme featuring the signatures of students from his former middle school in Las Vegas and students from Bristol. At a BMS autograph session April 1, Busch and fifth grade students from Bristol's Valley Pike Elementary will be putting the finishing touches on the paint scheme, signing the back of the car for a "ride along" during the race. Earlier in March, Busch collected autographs from students at a special assembly for his former middle school in Las Vegas. The signature paint scheme is part of Sharpie's nationwide effort asking for one million autographs from everyday people in exchange for $1 million in supplies and funds to schools. As the Sharpie Retractable "Autographs for Education" tour stops in Bristol, the Sharpie team is inviting the students, teachers, parents and the community in general to put their autograph on education by visiting its displays at BMS. Sharpie is elevating its pledge to the nation's schools throughout 2005, recognizing essential needs resulting from funding challenges schools face. Complete entry methods for the signature collection effort can be found at retailers nationwide and at www.sharpie.com.(Roush Racing)(3-31-2005)
Busch visits old team/sponsor: Reigning NASCAR Nextel Cup champion #97 Kurt Busch hasn't forgotten his roots. Star Nursery owner Craig Keough of Las Vegas gave Busch his first opportunity to race in a regional series, and he has found another way to return the favor. Already making a number of special appearances around town since Saturday, Busch has added another date to his hectic schedule. The Las Vegas native will be at Keough's newest nursery from 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday. It's located at 5380 Blue Diamond Road in Las Vegas.(Las Vegas Review Journal)(3-11-2005)
Kurt Busch back to School: Kurt Busch is asking students in his hometown of Las Vegas for their autographs. As part of the national 2005 Sharpie Retractable Autographs for Education Program, Busch is making a pre-race pit stop at his former middle school, asking students to autograph an oversized autograph wall and his #97 Sharpie Ford. The signatures will become part of a permanent paint scheme when he races at his "home away from home" in Bristol, Tenn., on April 3, 2005. In exchange for the autographs, Busch will deliver $10,000 in school supplies and funds to Guinn Middle School. The donation to the Las Vegas public school is a part of Sharpie's 2005 pledge to award $1 million worth of school supplies and funds to schools nationwide.
At an all-school assembly, Busch will:
* Have students sign the deck lid of the #97 Sharpie Ford, which will give their autographs a "ride-along" of their own at the upcoming race in Busch's adopted hometown of Bristol, where the car will debut
* Host a Q&A session with the students and secure their autographs on an 8' X 10' autograph wall
* Award school supplies and funds in exchange for the student autographs
* Detail how other schools can vie for school supplies and how students can seek scholarships through the program.
"Autographs for Education" enlists support from celebrities and professional athletes like Kurt Busch to talk with students, teachers, schools and community-based education organizations. The campaign is helping schools vie for $25,000 worth of school supplies and individuals contend for $150,000 in college scholarships. The program kicked off at professional football's biggest game in Jacksonville with broadcaster Howie Long and various NFL athletes, and will continue its local-market tour of cities across the country.(WeberShandwick.com)(3-10-2005)
Busch the highest Young Gun at Daytona: By picking #97-Kurt Busch as the highest finishing Gillette Young Gun in the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 20th, Rick D. of Inglis, FL was the winner of the weekly Gillette Young Guns $5,000 Challenge. Rick picked Busch as the highest finishing Young Gun by going to www.gilletteyoungguns.com and entering before the weekly deadline. As the highest finishing Gillette Young Gun, a $1,000 donation will be made to the National Prostate Cancer Coalition (NPCC) on behalf of Busch. This is the first time this season a donation has been made to the NPCC on behalf of Busch.(Alan Taylor Communications PR)(2-26-2005)
New Season of 'NASCAR DRIVERS: 360' return: The FX network has placed a second season order of seven episodes for "NASCAR Drivers: 360." The show, which takes a behind-the-scenes look at the everyday lives of NASCAR drivers, premieres May 13 at 10:30 ET. Kurt Busch, Kevin Harvick, Robby Gordon, Kasey Kahne, Jamie McMurray, Kenny Wallace, Mark Martin and Rusty Wallace will be featured during the seven-week run.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(2-18-2005)
Roush and Red Sox rumor resurfaces: Roush Racing executives have been working with their counterparts in the Boston Red Sox front office on ways to tap into the New England fan market. Possible alliances include a Red Sox paint scheme and Roush-themed television shows on the team's regional cable network. "I'm hoping to find out a way to affiliate our teams more closely with the Red Sox," Roush Racing President Geoff Smith said. Smith said Red Sox majority owner John Henry is a "semiprofessional" computer race car driver, playing the same sophisticated online racing simulator game that drivers such as Earnhardt play when they aren't racing. The Roush team brought Henry to a race at New Hampshire International Speedway last year, leading to rumors Roush would sell a stake in his team to Henry. But Smith said beyond the two teams' marketing plans, "there is nothing on the table." Smith doesn't rule out the team possibly entering a partnership.(USA Today)(2-18-2005)
Young Guns back: After a highly successful 2004 season, the Gillette Young Guns are kicking the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series into high gear with new sweepstakes and consumer promotions that will give fans and the National Prostate Cancer Coalition (NPCC) the chance to win prizes ranging from $1,000 to $1 million. The Gillette Young Guns - #97-Kurt Busch, #8-Dale Earnhardt, Jr., #29-Kevin Harvick, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #17-Matt Kenseth and #12-Ryan Newman - dominated their inaugural 2004 season, winning over 50 percent of the 36 Cup races. Busch won the 2004 championship, followed by fellow Young Guns Johnson and Earnhardt Jr., who finished second and fifth in the final points standings, respectively. Newman and Kenseth finished in seventh and eighth place, respectively, and Harvick finished 14th overall for the season. Collectively the Young Guns won 22 of the 36 races in 2004, claimed 70 top-fives and 109 top-10 finishes along the way. Gillette will again leverage these drivers and its NASCAR sponsorship with a comprehensive marketing communications program on several levels throughout the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season. The program includes consumer promotions and retail events, a national "Watch & Win" consumer sweepstakes, dedicated NASCAR print and broadcasting advertising, licensing, interactive on-line consumer promotions, charitable contributions and hospitality. Consumers can celebrate the beginning of the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup season with the Gillette Young Guns $1 Million Watch & Win Sweepstakes. If the year end Chase for the NEXTEL Cup isn't exciting enough, consumers will have the opportunity to win big by following the Gillette Young Guns over six of the last seven races of the season. By correctly predicting the finishing order of the six Young Guns for each race, fans will automatically be entered into a points race of their own. One lucky fan that wins this unique points race will win a trip for two to the final race of the season at Homestead-Miami and the chance to win up to $1 million. Cnsumers also will be able to register online to predict the highest finishing Gillette Young Gun prior to each of this season's 36 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup events. Each week, all correct entrants will be automatically entered in a drawing for a $5,000 prize. More info on my Racing Contests page or at www.gilletteyoungguns.com.(Alan Taylor Communications PR)(2-11-2005)
Crown Royal to debut in the Bud Shootout: When NASCAR announced last November it was lifting its longstanding ban on spirits sponsors, Crown Royal was the first to join in, announcing a sponsorship with Roush Racing and the #97 team led by 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup champion Kurt Busch. Others have since followed, but now Crown Royal is looking forward to leading another series of firsts as the 2005 season gets ready to kick into high gear:
-- At this Saturday night's Bud Shootout, Busch will become the first NASCAR driver to race in the paint scheme of a spirits brand since NASCAR made its landmark announcement in November. Crown Royal Championship Racing will utilize its new association with NASCAR to promote responsible drinking with millions of NASCAR's adult fans. They will allocate a multi-million dollar marketing budget to support the sponsorship of Kurt Busch and his #97 team, which will include dedicated social responsibility messaging under the tagline "Be a Champion. Drink Responsibly."
-- Later this week, the first NASCAR-themed spirits TV commercial will be unveiled. It stars the #97 Crown Royal car and encourages viewers that "pacing is everything....especially when drinking." Crown Royal's sponsorship of Kurt Busch and the #97 car is built around Diageo's existing relationship with Roush Racing, which started in 2003 with a primary sponsorship of Matt Kenseth and the #17 Roush Racing car for Diageo's flavored malt beverage Smirnoff ICE. In addition to the Bud Shootout, Crown Royal's integrated motorsports marketing plan will include primary sponsorship of the #97 car at additional races during the 2005 season, including the Brickyard 400. When Crown Royal is not a primary sponsor, the brand will support Kurt as an associate sponsor of the #97 car throughout the 2005 season. For more information on Crown Royal, visit www.crownroyal.com.(Alan Taylor Communications PR)(2-10-2005)
Busch and President Bush..meet Monday: At 2:05 pm [on Monday, 2/7], President George Bush looks forward to a photo opportunity with the 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup champion Kurt Busch and other members of his team at the Oval Office.(Talkradionews.com/whitehouse.gov)(2-7-2005)
IMAGES photos of Champion Busch meets President Bush at FoxSports.com.(2-8-2005)

2004 Nextel Cup Champ meets
President George Bush
(Photo Credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images for NASCAR)
IROC 2005 UPDATE 2 the drivers: there will be an announcement at Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday, Jan. 19th to announce the 2005 IROC [International Race of Champions - www.irocracing.com] drivers and new paint schemes for the four race 2005 season. Expect 5-6 Nextel Cup drivers, the Busch Champ [Truex Jr.], Truck Series champ [Hamilton] a few IRL, WoO drivers nad maybe a surprise or two. The 2005 Crown Royal IROC Series will feature 12 drivers from different forms of auto racing in equally prepared cars. The 2005 driver field will consist of seven drivers who captured their respective series championship in 2004 [Busch, Truex Jr., Hamilton, Kanan, Kinser, Kenseth (IROC) and ?]. This year's Crown Royal IROC Series champion will take home a $1 million first-place purse. Also for info on 2004, see my 2004 IROC page.(1-17-2005)
UPDATE the drivers: the following drivers will run the 2005 IROC Series:
Matt Kenseth - NASCAR Nextel Cup (2004 Crown Royal IROC champion)
Kurt Busch - NASCAR Nextel Cup (2004 Series champion)
Mark Martin - NASCAR Nextel Cup (4-time Crown Royal IROC champion)
Sebastien Bourdais - CHAMP CAR (2004 Series champion)
Bobby Hamilton NASCAR - Craftsman Truck (2004 Series champion)
Steve Kinser - World of Outlaws (2004 Series champion)
Max Papis - Grand American Road Racing (2004 Series co-champion)
Scott Pruett - Grand American Road Racing (2004 Series co-champion)
Martin Truex Jr. - NASCAR Busch Series (2004 Series champion)
Helio Castroneves - IRL IndyCar Series (2-time Indianapolis 500 champion)
Buddy Rice - IRL IndyCar Series (2004 Indianapolis 500 champion)
Danny Lasoski - World of Outlaws (2001 Series champion)(1-18-2005)
UPDATE 2: Crown Royal International Race of Champions (IROC) officials have announced the driver field for the 2005 Crown Royal IROC Series. The invitational series will feature 12 champion drivers from different forms of auto racing, including seven drivers who won their respective series titles in 2004. The Crown Royal IROC Series will kick off its 29th season on Friday, February 18 at Daytona International Speedway. Following the season opener, the series will shift to Texas Motor Speedway (April 15), followed by Richmond International Raceway (September 8) and conclude at the Atlanta Motor Speedway (October 29).(Alan Taylor Communications PR)(1-19-2005)
IMAGE: see an image of the 2005 IROC car on my 2005 Paint Schemes page.(1-20-2005)
Changes at Roush: hearing that Mike Janow, the engineer on the #97 Roush Racing Ford and Nextel Cup Champ Kurt Busch has moved over to Mark Martin in the #6. Journeyman engineer Mark Catania is now the engineer for Kurt Busch in 2005.(1-17-2005)
Special Sharpie Scheme for Busch: Kurt Busch will race another Sharpie special paint scheme at both Bristol races in 2005 featuring the retractable autographs for education marketing program. The #97 will carry the familiar Sharpie black colors and the autographs for education logo on the hood and rear quarter panels. Last Spring, Busch put the Sharpie 40th Anniversary car in Victory Lane at Bristol and placed eighth in the August event (Sharpie 500) driving the Sharpie RT Click paint scheme.(RacingOne)(12-28-2004)
Ford Racing enters the Daytona Rolex 24 with Busch, Kenseth, Biffle: The new Crown Royal Special Reserve/Multimatic Ford entry in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the twice-around-the-clock road racing classic Feb. 5-6, 2005, will feature three NASCAR champion drivers from Ford and Roush Racing: 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Champion Kurt Busch, 2003 NASCAR Cup Champion Matt Kenseth, and NASCAR Busch (2002) and Craftsman Truck (2000) Champion Greg Biffle. The three Roush Racing Ford pilots will be joined by Multimatic Ford driver Scott Maxwell, who has won six professional road racing championships in his career, but may be best known for his victories in both the 24 Hours of LeMans and the Rolex 24 At Daytona. The potent foursome will look to capture an overall victory in the 2005 season-opener of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series, it was announced today. "It's a dream team, that's for sure," said Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology. "We started talking last summer about getting a chance to put this type of team together for the Rolex 24, and because of the cooperation of Roush Racing, Multimatic, and Crown Royal Special Reserve, we have an effort and a class of drivers that will be able to make a run for the overall win." The Crown Royal Special Reserve Multimatic Ford is an updated version of the race car that won the Daytona Prototype class at the Rolex 24 At Daytona in 2003. A Ford Modular Cammer V-8 motor prepared by Roush-Yates Engines will power it. (Ford Racing PR)(12-21-2004)
Kurt Busch and Martin Truex Jr. up for award: National Speed Sport News, the country's oldest weekly auto racing publication, recently announced the finalists for the Economaki Champion of Champions Award presented by Rockett Brand Racing Fuel. The award recognizes the "best of the best" of the season's series champions. Finalists for the 2004 Economaki Champion of Champions Award presented by Rockett Brand Racing Fuel are: Sebastien Bourdais, Champ Car; Kurt Busch, NASCAR Nextel Cup; Bobby East, USAC midgets; Anderson, NHRA Pro Stock; Tony Kanaan, Indy Racing League; Steve Kinser, World of Outlaws; Scott Bloomquist, World of Outlaws Late Models; Fred Rahmer, open wheel; Schumacher, NHRA Top Fuel; and Martin Truex, Jr., NASCAR Busch Series. The finalists will be featured in the December 8th PRI Show issue of National Speed Sport News.
From this group of champions, a winner will be selected based on overall racing ability, sportsmanship and command of the sport - both on and off the track. The award presentation will take place during the 17th annual Performance Racing Industry trade show in Indianapolis, Ind., at the National Speed Sport News booth (#8140 - Hall A) at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 9, 2004.
The Economaki Champion of Champions Award is named in honor of Chris Economaki, the world's best-known reporter of the auto racing scene and legendary motorsports broadcaster. He served as publisher of National Speed Sport News for more than 50 years in addition to a 23-year run broadcasting races for ABC Sports, followed by 10 years with CBS. He now does occasional hosting for ESPN, SPEED Channel and other TV networks.
Dave Argabright, National Speed Sport News columnist and accomplished author, will present the Economaki Champion of Champions Award presented by Rockett Brand Racing Fuel. A broadcast of the event will air during the inaugural 2005 episode of Wind Tunnel on SPEED Channel. Following the award presentation, the winner will be available to the media for photographs and interviews.(NHRA.com)(12-7-2004)
Sharpie honors Busch with promotion for fans: While Kurt Busch, this year's NEXTEL Cup Champion and driver of the #97 Sharpie car, picked up NASCAR's ultimate honors in New York City Friday night, millions of fans will be "racing" to pick up their prize. Sharpie, the popular brand of permanent markers deemed the autograph pen of choice for celebrities, sports figures and their fans, and whose logo emblazons the champion's #97 racecar, is offering a $.97 savings on any purchase of Sharpie markers ($2 or more) through the end of the year. Fans can get the coupon in an ad that appeared in USA on Thursday December 2, featuring the new Sharpie Retractable marker which offers single-hand use and no cap - just "click and write." . Visit sharpie.com or sanfordcorp.com for more information.(Sanfordcorp site)(12-5-2004)
Busch gets #5 million plus: NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champion Kurt Busch (#97 Sharpie/IRWIN Tools Ford) will receive $5,356,181 in point fund money at Friday night’s NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Awards Ceremony in the Grand Ballroom at the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel. Once Busch accepts the official check, his season winnings will total $9,677,543. Busch’s point fund payout comes from NASCAR and series sponsor Nextel, which is completing its first season as the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series sponsor. Prior to Friday night’s celebration, Busch also received a total of $105,000 in various contingency awards during the annual Myers Brothers Breakfast on the Waldorf=Astoria’s historic 18th-floor Starlight Roof. Busch’s 2004 race winnings total $4,200,332. His career winnings stand at $22,860,894. NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Top 10 runner-up Jimmie Johnson (#48 Lowe’s Chevrolet) will receive a point fund payout of $2,404,137 from NASCAR and Nextel. Third-place finisher Jeff Gordon (#24 DuPont Chevrolet) will receive a point fund payout of $1,766,527 from NASCAR and Nextel.(NASCAR PR), see my 2004 Winnings-Awards page for the full point fund money awarded and Post Season Awards.(12-3-2004)
Top 10 List: An animated Kurt Busch, the 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series champion, read the Tuesday night Top Ten list on "Late Show with David Letterman."
The category -- "Top Ten Thoughts That Cross Your Mind When Going 190 Miles Per Hour:"
10. Left turn, left turn, straight. Left turn, left turn, straight. Left turn, left turn, straight
9. Did I remember to TiVo "Desperate Housewives"?
8. Oh, yeah, the fumes are really kicking in now!
7. Did I remember to take the supplemental liability coverage?
6. Uh, oh, that wasn't Powerade. That was Pennzoil
5. Damn, that Jeff Gordon is handsome
4. My crew chief, Jimmy Fennig, is a genius. I've got to suck up to him or else he'll tamper with my brakes
3. Turn 3 should have a McDonald's drive-thru
2. Maybe I should have put the top up
1. Wheeeeeeee! (Las Vegas Review Journal)(12-1-2004)
Busch speaks to Benny: Kurt Busch says his Nextel Cup championship is beginning to sink in and he told Raybestos Fast Talk host Benny Parsons when the play money is aside and he receives the big check Friday at the awards banquet it will fully set in. Busch describes his hotel room, the presidential suite at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, as “Probably the most magnificent thing I’ve ever seen. I think one of the bedrooms is almost over in Staten Island…the other one is over in Queens and one is in Midtown, the rooms seem that large. You have to walk between all the rooms with these great hallways…it’s a magnificent place to be able to stay in a room that one of our past presidents stayed in.” Is Kurt nervous about being in New York City? “ Just a little bit here and there, but I’m so anxious to go to the next appearance or to the next show that it makes the time go by quick and we’ve got things planned with the girlfriend and with the family…it’s a great time”. On Tuesday Busch will take part in a training exercise with the New York City Fire Department. “I’m gonna be hauling hoses up and down steps; dragging some dummies around and I think they’re going to bring in a smoke machine so we’re not going to actually set things on fire.”(PRN's Raybestos Fast Talk)(11-30-2004)
Busch final driver to qualify for the Bud Shootout: During last weekend's Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champion Kurt Busch became the final driver to qualify for the 2005 Budweiser Shootout on Saturday night, Feb. 12 at Daytona International Speedway. Busch, driver of the #97 Sharpie Ford for Roush Racing, lapped Homestead-Miami Speedway at 179.319 mph to earn the Ford 400 pole and become the 20th driver eligible for the Budweiser Shootout, a non-points race that features previous season's pole winners and past Budweiser Shootout champions. The field of 20 eligible drivers is two shy of the record 22 that competed in the 2002 edition of the Budweiser Shootout. Other drivers that have won pole positions this season and are qualified for next year's Budweiser Shootout are #01-Joe Nemechek, #16-Greg Biffle, #9-Kasey Kahne, #25-Brian Vickers, #41-Casey Mears, #24-Jeff Gordon, #12-Ryan Newman, #18-Bobby Labonte, #21-Ricky Rudd, #48-Jimmie Johnson and #19-Jeremy Mayfield. Past Budweiser Shootout champions eligible are #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #20-Tony Stewart, #88-Dale Jarrett, #6-Mark Martin, #2-Rusty Wallace, #49-Ken Schrader, #91-Bill Elliott and #44-Terry Labonte [and Geoffrey Bodine who ran in the race in 2004?]. Tickets for Speedweeks 2005 and the 47th annual Daytona 500 are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(11-27-2004)
Las Vegas to honor NASCAR champion Kurt Busch on Dec. 5: Local race fans will get an opportunity to welcome hometown hero and newly crowned NASCAR Nextel Cup champion Kurt Busch back to Las Vegas during a special celebration at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5 at the Fremont Street Experience. "It's an honor to be recognized by the people of Las Vegas for what we have accomplished," Busch said. "I'm looking forward to having an opportunity to celebrate and share this championship with everyone in my hometown." Officials from local, state and federal offices will be on hand to make special presentations to Busch, a graduate of Durango High School. The ceremony, which will be held on the First Street Stage near the Golden Nugget, will be free of charge and open to the public. Busch will be on hand to address the crowd - only 14 days following his clinching of one of motorsports' most coveted titles. "It's hard to believe that just five years ago we were watching Kurt race Modifieds and Legends at the Bullring," said Chris Powell, Las Vegas Motor Speedway general manager. "His rise to the top of NASCAR's premier series has been phenomenal. It's a special time for our entire community to have a local product like Kurt win NASCAR's biggest championship. This puts him in an elite group with Greg Maddux and Andre Agassi as one of Las Vegas' biggest sports heroes. "We're happy that we can do our part to recognize his outstanding accomplishments, and we invite everyone in the Las Vegas area to join us on Fremont Street Dec. 5 to show Kurt how much we appreciate what he has done." For more information on this event, please contact Las Vegas Motor Speedway's public relations department at (702) 632-8266.(LVMS PR)(11-24-2004)
Kurt's Cap: got many email's complaining about 2004 Nextel Cup Champion Kurt Busch leaving his Sharpie Cap on during the singing of the National Anthem....anyhow, Busch was on Speed Channel's Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain [can catch re-air at 9am on Tuesday, Nov 23rd], Dave asked Kurt about it, and Kurt seemed surprised and said he was late getting to his car, and didn't hear or realize the National Anthem was being played at the time.....so let's chalk it up to an honest mistake.(11-23-2004)
Last Time Ford won drivers championships in two consecutive seasons? In 1968 and 1969 when David Pearson won in a Holman-Moody Ford crew chiefed by Jake Elder.(11-23-2004)
Crown Royal to be Primary Sponsor in Selected races on the #97: Diageo, the world's leading premium drinks business, today announced its Crown Royal brand will become a primary sponsor of 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Champion Kurt Busch and the #97 Roush Racing Sharpie/Irwin car for select races throughout the 2005 season. Crown Royal becomes the first spirits brand to enter the sport since NASCAR recently announced that spirits companies would be allowed to participate as team sponsors.
The Crown Royal sponsorship will be built around Diageo's existing relationship with Roush Racing, which started in 2003 with a primary sponsorship of Matt Kenseth and the #17 Roush Racing car for Diageo's flavored malt beverage Smirnoff ICE. That sponsorship continued for part of 2004 before switching to the #97 car late in the season. Diageo will utilize the Crown Royal brand's new association with NASCAR to promote responsible drinking with millions of NASCAR's adult fans.
"We're excited that Crown Royal will be entering NASCAR so prominently with a sponsorship of the sport's newest champion, Kurt Busch and Roush Racing," said Mark Waller, Executive Vice President, Consumer Strategy and Marketing, Diageo. "Our association with this world class racing team gives Diageo the opportunity to connect with millions of adult NASCAR fans, and remind them about the importance of responsible drinking. A multi-million dollar marketing budget supporting this sponsorship will include dedicated social responsibility messaging."
Busch, 26, captured his first NASCAR championship on Sunday, November 21 by rallying to finish fifth in the Ford 400 at H

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