2004 Nextel Cup Champions Kurt Busch was a full participant in Thursday’s season-ending activities, dismissing all speculation that he would be excluded from NASCAR’s festivities following the controversial close to his championship reign. He was suspended by his former team for the final two races of the year after a run-in with Phoenix police. Although he was only charged with reckless driving — reports that he was drunk were proven false when police said his blood alcohol limit was well below the legal limit — Busch was lambasted for his belligerent attitude toward the officers. It cost him his reputation and much of the respect he had been working hard to earn across the garage. Clearly contrite, Busch says he’s eager to move on.
“Everybody has a circumstance that comes up in life where you want to press the reset button and this is one of those,” he said. “What has to happen is the real me has to come out. The fans have to get to know the real Kurt Busch better. I think you will see a difference, it’s just going to take time, like everything does.” Busch chose to take the high road Thursday when asked about [former owner Jack] Roush, and indicated he would reflect upon his accomplishments with the team in his Friday night speech. “I think we’ve had a great career together,” he said. “I’ll leave with my head high and pride that I developed in that #97. Once we get through all this, it’s going to be a lesson learned for me,” he said. “It will be great to turn over a new leaf next season.”(ESPN.com/AP)(12-2-2005)
