Kyle Busch’s dream of competing for a national NASCAR championship next year might be put on hold for two years. The 16-year-old Durango High junior is under contract to drive full time in 2002 for Roush Racing in the CTS, but sources close to NASCAR said the sanctioning body will announce a policy this week that will not allow anyone younger than 18 to participate in any of its national or regional series as a driver or crew member. NASCAR hasn’t permitted anyone under 18 to participate in its premier Winston Cup or its regional Winston West stock-car series since at least 1998 because of its sponsorship by a tobacco company. Kyle Busch, who competed in six truck events last year for Roush, could not be reached for comment. It is believed that Roush will continue to pay him to keep him in its fold. Kyle Busch had the fastest truck in practice at California Speedway in Fontana for the series finale. But track officials would not let him try to qualify his truck Nov. 2, the day before the race, because the weekend event was partially sponsored by Marlboro.(Las Vegas Review Journal)and another column at the Las Vegas Sun: Rule could put Busch’s truck career on hold(12-11-2001) UPDATE – Minimum Age Requirement: Effective for the 2002 season, NASCAR has implemented a minimum age requirement for all drivers, crew members and other participants in its top three series – Winston Cup, Grand National and Trucks – as well as its Touring series. NASCAR hasn’t permitted anyone under 18 to participate in Winston Cup or the Winston West stock-car series since 1998, in part because of the series’ sponsorship by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. At least one driver will lose his chance at participating in one of NASCAR’s top series next season as a result of the new rule. Kyle Busch, 16-year-old brother of Winston Cup driver Kurt Busch, was scheduled to run a full season for Roush Racing in NASCAR’s Truck series, but will not be allowed to compete. Roush officials said Thursday he would remain under contract, however.(That’s Racin’) AND Busch, a high school student from Las Vegas, scored one top-10 effort. However, with the new ruling in place beginning with next year, it looks like Busch will be driving Late Model. With Busch sidelined for at least two years, that opens up the seat for someone else. The team has said that they will fulfill all contractual obligations to Busch. No driver has been named to the #99 CTS seat.(NASCAR.com)(12-13-2001)
