Kurt Busch Fired

[Bwallace83]

For the second time in his Sprint Cup Series career, an off-track issue has cost Kurt Busch his job.

Busch will not return next season to drive Penske Racing's No. 22 Dodge, multiple sources confirmed to the Observer and ThatsRacin.com on Sunday night.

An official announcement of Busch's departure from the organization is expected from Penske on Monday.

Just over a week ago NASCAR fined Busch $50,000 for the use of an obscene gesture and a profanity-laced tirade directed toward a media member during the Cup series finale race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

The incident with ESPN reporter Dr. Jerry Punch, which took place in the garage after Busch's car broke its transmission, was caught on video and posted on YouTube.

At the time, Penske Racing officials issued a statement saying they were reviewing the matter internally.

Asked if he could confirm Busch as the driver of the No. 22 team in 2012, Penske spokesman Jonathan Gibson referred to its previous statement and said the organization would have no further comment at this time.

In November 2005, less than one year after winning his first Cup series championship, Busch was fired by Roush Fenway Racing after he was cited for criminal reckless in Avondale, Ariz., in what police described as an alcohol-related incident.

Busch sat out the remaining two races of the 2005 season. He began driving for team owner Roger Penske in the 2006 season.

Since joining Penske, Busch has won 10 races and his highest finish in the series standings was fourth in 2009.

This decision comes very late in the year and puts both Busch and Penske in a difficult position.

There are no quality rides currently available for next season for Busch to pursue, and no drivers with a resume on the track similar to Busch's presumably available for Penske to hire.

Several drivers who competed in the Cup series this season remain without rides, including David Ragan, Brian Vickers and David Reutimann.

Penske Racing fires Kurt Busch | www.thatsracin.com






wow.

 

[Henderson]

Now that, my friends, is stupid.

Why would you fire a guy that is a proven winner and can make the chase? Not to mention, a former champion.

I find it funny how Kyle can get away with his horrible offenses, but Kurt does ONE bad thing this season, and he is gone. Maybe he should join his brother at Gibbs...

 

[burtonbraves]

Oh boy, let the silly season game continue. Kind of surprised actually, who will be bumped up? Or will the #22 be dropped? All the questions now arise.

 

[The Captain]

How reliable is this site usually? This isn't showing up on NASCAR.com, ESPN, or Jayski.

 

[4WideRacing]

Glad to see it for another driver but sad that Kurt didn't learn. That is if it's true.

I was kinda shocked but he has been going crazy this year.

 

[4WideRacing]

This isn't showing up on NASCAR.com, ESPN, or Jayski.

Don't they usually wait for something official?

 

[Phantomguy24]

Good. If this doesn't teach Kurt nothing will. Now Kyle just needs a similar experience. Good for Penske doing the right thing. Plus BK is now #1 at Penske(y)

 

[MattyO]

Good for Roger.

He doesn't need the headaches anymore.

Just goes to show, it doesn't matter how much talent you have, or think you have, if you piss off the wrong people, you have to answer for your actions eventually.

 

[Frigus5]

I'm just waiting for the autobiography by their parents entitled: We raised boys who can drive anything, but have terrible attitudes.

Kurt did this to himelf. And never issued an apology or felt remorse for his actions. I bet his crew is thankful. They dont have to put up with being bashed every week for mistakes. Now we know who Kyle looked up to as a kid. His big brother Kurt.

 

[Bwallace83]

It sounds legit, but we will know tomorrow for sure if Penske announces it. Props to Roger for not standing Kurt anymore. Hopefully someone deserving like Ruetty gets the ride.

 

[Hendrick9Fan]

Put Sam Hornish in the 22!!
What if Kurt went to Front Row Motorsports or to Tommy Baldwin racing?! I doubt that would happen though.

 

[Frigus5]

Oh boy, let the silly season game continue. Kind of surprised actually, who will be bumped up? Or will the #22 be dropped? All the questions now arise.

Is it wrong to hope Sam Hornish gets another shot at Cup?

 

[4WideRacing]

Good. If this doesn't teach Kurt nothing will. Now Kyle just needs a similar experience. Good for Penske doing the right thing. Plus BK is now #1 at Penske(y)

After what happened at Texas and then this with his brother, I would hope he wouldn't need something like this to happen.

 

[burtonbraves]

Is it wrong to hope Sam Hornish gets another shot at Cup?

Not at all that'd be awesome. Bump Parker back up to Nationwide?

 

[Phantomguy24]

Is it wrong to hope Sam Hornish gets another shot at Cup?

I was thinking the same thing. Although frankly, he needs time to develop. But we can dream.

 

[Paul Johnson]

reuti-be-callin...

 

[Bwallace83]

Where is Kurt gonna go? thats the real question. If you think about it, no decent rides are open

 

[FloridaFan88]

What a shock. But good for Roger Penske. Now what will happen to the #22 ride. Who will be put in the car? Reutimann perhaps?

 

[flyersfan4888]

I never f*****g saw this coming.

(Obvious joke is obvious lol)

 

[oddjob626]

How reliable is this site usually? This isn't showing up on NASCAR.com, ESPN, or Jayski.

Jim Utter who writes for the Charlotte observer and thatsracing.com is who first reported this