Kyle Busch Motorsports, Danica Patrick – heroes or villains?
Danica Patrick signs an autograph during the NASCAR Preview 2012. // Sam Cranston, NASCAR Illustrated
Carolyn Brewster
Carolyn grew up an army brat. It is her personal mission to live up to all stereotypes of the obnoxious NASCAR fan and to raise her children to follow in her footsteps.
Imagine a NASCAR fan opens the refrigerated case to grab a Monster Energy drink while standing in the line at the grocery store. As he reaches for the liquid fuel in a can, he pauses.
Remembering last week’s big announcement, the fan grabs a bottled water instead. A few minutes later, a woman wearing an M&M’s hat enthusiastically throws not one but two Monster Energy drinks into her grocery basket while remembering the very same announcement.
This crazy, cosmic NASCAR universe is balanced.
Kyle Busch Motorsports announced last week that owner Kyle Busch will share his Nationwide Series Monster Energy ride with his brother, Kurt. Wonder twins unite? Or evil villains join forces? However we fans felt about the Busch brothers before is now double the pleasure or double the pain.
More importantly for the Nationwide Series, KBM’s news offers a balance to the 2012 season, which has a marketed feel of all-Danica-all-the-time.
Both the Busch brothers and Patrick are strong personalities capable of evoking intense positive and negative reactions. These emotions will do far more to benefit the Nationwide Series than the lukewarm feelings produced by drivers whose name and car number we struggle to remember.
As KMB will race for the owners championship, Patrick will drive to prove she is capable of succeeding in stock cars. I am more excited for this Nationwide season than ever.
2012 is upon us. To keep the NASCAR universe balanced, it’s time to pick your hero and name your villain.
