Kyle Busch learned a valuable lesson in dominating the Nationwide Series for his first NASCAR title
By Jeff Gluck - Associate Editor
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Joe Gibbs Racing's Kyle Busch celebrates his first NASCAR Nationwide Series title during Monday night's awards ceremony.
David Griffin
NASCAR Scene
Related stories: Roush Fenway Racing's Carl Edwards 'had a blast' racing in Nationwide this season
Brad Keselowski gained attention, success during Nationwide run
Many stories have been written over the last few years – on Web sites, in newspapers and magazines – proclaiming Kyle Busch has grown or matured in some way, or is ready to turn over a new leaf.
Despite Busch winning his first NASCAR championship – on the strength of his second-place finishes, at that – this is not one of them.
At age 24 and with his sixth full season of NASCAR competition now behind him, Busch remains the fiery, passionate competitor that has proven to be both an asset and, at times, a detriment.
“Rest assured, America, the edges on him haven’t been ground down just yet,” says Jeff Dickerson, Busch’s spotter, agent and advisor. “A guy wins a championship like this and everybody wants to say, ‘Look, he’s matured. He’s become the complete package.’ I think we’re a long way from seeing the complete package.”
So in this space, your mind will not be filled with flowery visions that Busch has suddenly seen the light, or that he will become a different person now that he’s won the 2009 Nationwide Series title.
No one changes overnight – if at all – but this record-setting championship season may have taught Busch something: To race smarter.
All anyone has to do to understand that lesson is to compare Busch’s seasons in the Nationwide and Sprint Cup series.
He completely dominated the Nationwide circuit for most of the year, easily breaking the all-time laps led mark, compiling the most points ever, winning nine races and finishing second an astounding 11 times.
But in Cup, Busch all-too-often showed flashes of the Bad Kyle, trying to force a 10th-place car to the front and paying the consequences just often enough to miss the Chase.
It’s no wonder, then, that Busch stood on Miami Beach on a beautiful Florida afternoon prior to the Homestead race weekend and vowed to put the lessons learned while winning the Nationwide championship to good use.
“Next year is going to be about being smart – being as smart as you can, not push it as much,” Busch says. “People may not like that from me – a lot of people like when I go balls-out all the time and race every lap like it’s the last – but unfortunately that’s not what it comes down to anymore, where you have to finish well to win a championship.”
Busch’s Evolution
Is that even possible? Can Busch really become a smarter racer?
In some ways, he already has. Busch says had he known in 2004 what he knows now, he may not have had to wait five more years to win his first championship.
Back then, Busch was running the No. 5 car for Hendrick Motorsports in the series then known as the Busch Series.
A rookie, Busch won five times and challenged eventual champ Martin Truex Jr. all season. The two swapped the points lead four times in five weeks during the middle of the season, and Busch still had a shot to catch Truex with two races to go.
He entered Darlington trailing by 161 points. But Busch remembers the contact with Ron Hornaday that nearly knocked the nose off his car, then recalls how the team got behind on pit strategy.
The next thing he knew, “We were falling back through the field and I spun out and wrecked,” he says.
It was one of those avoidable incidents, the kind born out of frustration and trying to do too much. The Nationwide Series champion of 2009 wouldn’t do that kind of thing now.
“Exactly,” he says. “Then, I was just so mad trying to make up positions, trying so hard to win the race. … Especially for as early in the race as that was, it was pretty dumb what I did.
“The approach going forward, especially on the Cup side for next year, is to try to finish in the respective position we’re running in.”
Denny Hamlin, Busch’s teammate at Joe Gibbs Racing, says missing the Chase probably had something to do with a change in mindset. Hamlin has long preached that consistency is preferable to wins – at least the way the NASCAR points system is structured.
Now, in light of the way he won the Nationwide championship, Hamlin thinks it’s realistic Busch could race smarter.
“I think he knew if he just kind of finished some of the races where he got frustrated and really ended up going backward or into a crash, he would have made the Chase,” Hamlin says. “So I think it’s just Kyle progressing and maybe realizing that … you don’t have to go out there and win every single week.”
Dickerson says Busch has discovered that the “chicks dig the longball” approach to racing – or going for the home-run win every race – may not always be the best option.
“Second-places aren’t cool and he doesn’t like them, but the premise is right – if he doesn’t run second 11 times, he doesn’t win the championship,” he says.
Of course, all this is tough for Busch to swallow. He would have rather the 11 runnerup finishes been victories, giving him 20 wins this season.
But outrunning Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski – who each had seasons that may have won the championship in most other years – has grabbed his attention.
“You’d rather have your seconds be firsts or your thirds be seconds,” Busch says, this being a vast understatement for him. “But ultimately you do what you can to win a championship, and that’s what got us the championship this year, because of our consistency that we had.
“So yeah, I could see the necessity to have those finishes to win a championship.”
Controlling Emotions
Busch enjoys finishing second about as much as a sumo wrestler enjoys going on a diet.
He makes little attempt to mask his outrage on days when he ends the race in any position but first, and still storms off without comment more often than his public relations representatives and reporters trailing behind would prefer.
Of course, much of that fire is the same thing that makes him great. So the thought is, if he learns to harness the negative emotions, observers believe he could be lethal.
“He’s nowhere close to a finished product,” Dickerson says. “He’s still a work in progress. If he can just take the next step on Sundays, the sky is the limit. When he does, it’s going to be amazing.”
Busch knows precisely what he’s doing when he reacts to losing with a poor attitude. But he can’t always help himself.
“It’s frustrating on those days because you know you’ve been so close, or you’ve led the most laps, and your team deserves to win the race,” Busch says. “That’s the biggest frustration, is not being able to win for those guys.”
In addition to racing smarter, those close to Busch want to see him become better prepared to deal with the speedbumps that come with a long season. Dickerson says Busch “hasn’t put it all together” in terms of confidence, handling adversity and “weathering the hiccups” that even the greatest drivers cannot avoid.
Because he’s still unfinished, Dickerson says Busch “won this championship on sheer talent and will.”
“I think winning it shows him that when he puts his mind to something, he can do it,” Dickerson says.
Maybe the lessons from his first NASCAR championship will carry him into the future.
Will it change him?
That remains to be seen.
This story originally appeared in NASCAR Scene.
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23 responses to "Kyle Busch learned a valuable lesson in dominating the Nationwide Series for his first NASCAR title". Post a Comment.
gatenpin said:
Nov 26, 2009 at 1:20 PMCongratulations to Kyle and his team. They deserve this and only wish he had made the chase in the cup series. Watch for Kyle to be in the chase in 2010. If he's there, he will probably win it all-!!!!!!! GO KYLE (and don't change too much - we like you as you are). I still admire you for racing that truck for no salary and also your donation of your winnings to Sam Ard who needs alot of help. We love you.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportAnonymous said:
Nov 26, 2009 at 3:32 PMKyle reminds me of my early yrs. I was 24 when my first born came in my life,that was the big change for me. I am now 71 yrs old. I hope Kyle can slay the dragen.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportmikeostling said:
Nov 26, 2009 at 3:44 PMThis has been one of my best years watching Kyle take the racers to school. I hope in the future he can do as well in his next challenge. "Kyle" will be as great as he wishes to be.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportsibbi173 said:
Nov 26, 2009 at 4:26 PMHe's "a work in progress" Let's hope he "progresses" before he's retirement age. Although, I doubt it!! LOLOLOL
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» Confirm Abuse Reporttx20fan said:
Nov 26, 2009 at 7:08 PMI'm fine with him learning a few more things to race smart, but I don't want his fire and passion and total hatred for being "first loser" to ever change. He has made racing exciting again for the first time since we lost Dale. You may hate Kyle, but you're always watching to see if he's moving up thru the field. Who was that statement always made about......Earnhardt. We've had too many years of vanilla, company line spouting drivers. We are now getting a crop of "racers" led by Kyle that is going to liven this sport back up. Congrats Kyle. Glad I was on your bandwagon for the first of many championships.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportSheilaLovesNASCAR said:
Nov 26, 2009 at 9:43 PMI, for one like to watch great side by side, inches apart racing, where someone catches another, they race and then pass the other. Not stupid moves that get you into the wall or other cars. I like racing, as apposed to entertainment. Just because a driver doesn't act like an idiot, but just races hard, doesn't make him less of a racer. You need Lady Luck on your side and that comes from respecting the Sport. Does NASCAR really need to be WWE to be a great Sport? I hope not.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportJrNation_Idiots said:
Nov 27, 2009 at 2:08 AM#6 Yea, I agree. Kyle provides great side by side racing while being only inches from his competitors. He has excellent car control, and has raced really smart over the last half of the season. He will also carry that into next season and will be a lot more consistent. Kyle also has tremendous respect for the sport, and is well respected in the garage area. Not only as a driver, but as a person. The other drivers all recognize his talents as a driver, and also recognize his knowledge about the cars. Kyle is also well-versed in the history of the sport, and is very humble when he is mentioned with the legends of NASCAR's past and present. Enjoy your day :)
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» Confirm Abuse Reportipopakeg293388 said:
Nov 27, 2009 at 9:10 AM# 7 Your kidding,right? He may slow down a little next year on his tantrum's but it will take more than a suit to change this guy! His name can't be mentioned with any of the legend's,not by a long shot! He win's one championship and he's in legend land? I don't think so scooter! It is funny though,that he can't hit the long ball! It will take at least two year's of acting like he has a brain,to wipe away all of those dumb fit's he stay's in,and showing his a** & coming in second a record 11 time's! Clown's like cryle don't change overnight! He's his own worst enemy! Time will tell,and I got a feeling cryle fan's won't like the change! I give him credit when he win's,it just like watching a brat of a kid when he doesn't! When he throw's those little boy fit's,it's bad for a sport that's become more boring each week anyway! So we wipe the slate clean,and it's on to 2010 & look out for my boy's,because they will give cryle all he want's and then some!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportDRLDeBoer said:
Nov 27, 2009 at 10:44 AMI agree, evolve or die. Kyle knows the score. But I hope he wins his Cup title on his own terms, not because he's forced into something he isn't.
Report as AbuseLike it or not, his record breaking earned him the right to have his name with legends like Sam Ard. Whether he'll be able to match his Cup contemporaries, or any of the past legends at Cup level, remains to be seen.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportesuchlandldo said:
Nov 27, 2009 at 10:45 AMHaving a Sprint Cup driver win the Nationwide championship is like having Derek Jeter of the Yankees win the batting championship of the AAA International League. It's a joke. When is NASCAR going to limit the races these Cup drivers can participate in and prohibit them from any championship regarding the Nationwide series. All they are doing is taking prize money from the Nationwide regulars.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportDRLDeBoer said:
Nov 27, 2009 at 11:03 AM#10 I think you want to post this opinion on the Carl Edwards/Nationwide article too, right?
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» Confirm Abuse Reportb48orr said:
Nov 27, 2009 at 12:03 PMWhat a crock of blabber this article is! The guy had the best car on the track in all but three races this season. And got out drove how many times? Alot. This team and its crew chief was the best out there, put the best car out there every week. To say he learned to be patient is horse sense. It was easy with this team in his corner. The only thing this guy learned is that he can take a championship when you have the best car every week. And that Joey Logano can out drive him in equal eqipment.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportb48orr said:
Nov 27, 2009 at 12:06 PMDeep down people dont change. They learn to hide their feelings or actions better!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportOld_school_fan said:
Nov 27, 2009 at 1:54 PMUnfortunately, the one thing that Busch didn't learn is humility.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportWerner said:
Nov 27, 2009 at 6:34 PMsure would be nice if we let these people be what they are and not what we want them to be...do we want 43 Jimmie Johnsons?...43 Dale Jrs?....
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» Confirm Abuse Reportmom1159 said:
Nov 27, 2009 at 10:51 PMCongratulations to Kyle and the whole team- they were wonderful this year. I agree that I never want him to buckle under anyone to become like the other drivers. He is his own and I enjoy watching him race because of that. He has such talent and compassion to win. I also appreciate him for showing his disappointment in not winning. I just shows how dedicated he is to winning - which is why they all race. Hope he has a great year in 2010. I will certainly be cheering him on.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportRowdyBusch18 said:
Nov 29, 2009 at 3:56 PMI want Kyle to be smarter during the race and wait for the car to come to him. But I agree who needs corporate Kyle Busch, I want the Kyle that gets fired up to win and lose. Kyle Busch is great for NASCAR, there is no middle you love him or hate him.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportdaviclar38 said:
Nov 29, 2009 at 6:47 PM#10 You have a point. I've been posting the same issue that cup guys shouldn't be allowed to race all the NW races. Limit them to 30 races!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportNascarFanInND said:
Nov 30, 2009 at 6:57 PMgood one jeff...nothing like a kyle busch article to get the natives fired up..lol..many good points were made in these comments..but the bottom line is kyle is kyle and while I love him in the car, I cant stand him out of it..maybe its a bad taste from Nashville still but regardless the kids got talent theres no doubt about it..he can evolve and I believe he will and if he does so quickly he may just be the driver to challenge Jimmie in 2010 (sorry Denny)...the14smoke
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» Confirm Abuse Reportksmith999 said:
Nov 30, 2009 at 7:35 PMI completely agree with #17. I wish he would remain calm in the car and not overdrive (i.e. Homestead - gave up 2nd when car wasn't capable of 1st). But, I couldn't care less about his post race. It seems to me, the only people who care if he doesn't give an interview are the media and those who hate him anyway. I find it comical to watch them chase him down, knowing he's not going to give and interview only to get upset because "he owe's it to his fans." Newsflash - there are fans that don't care if he gives a postrace interview.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportspdbmp said:
Dec 2, 2009 at 11:10 AMI like Kyle Busch the racecar driver... I DON'T like Kyle Busch the poor sport! That being said, anybody who doesn't mind that he storms off post-race... is forgetting that sponsors are in this sport to get recognition and advertising returns on the money they spend. In my eyes, that means that Kyle has an obligation to stand there like a man and admit defeat gracefully, mention his sponsors and THEN go pout!
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» Confirm Abuse Reportb48orr said:
Dec 2, 2009 at 10:05 PMWhat I think is ridiculous is this totally stupid name the Moron gave to himself. Rowdy indeed. Who in their right name gives himself a nickname. Cryle wins the pole every week you ask me. The Bi-polar. Too much fantasy going on in this nuts head. A taste of reality sets him into tantrums every time. Just ask Cole Trickle. He had any sense at all he would of called himself wingnut!
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» Confirm Abuse Reportb48orr said:
Dec 2, 2009 at 10:08 PMAnd once again its Wingnut Busch folks who takes the second spot to our winner Blowey Jobano!
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