Subscribe to this blog's feed« NASCAR - I can understand why Knaus was upset | Main | Ganssi moves Mears to a new car and moves Sorenson up »
August 09, 2005
Kurt Busch tells Roush he's leaving
Wow! Never saw this coming. Roush Racing made the announcement today that Kurt Busch informed them that he has signed with another team starting in 2007, he also asked to be released from his contract in 2006.
I never would have thought that Busch would be the one leaving, I knew Kenseth was upset about how the McMurray deal went down and everything, but there seemed to be no indication that Busch was unhappy at Roush.
The team he signed with wasn't disclosed, but according to That's Racin', he signed with Penske Racing's #2 ride, being vacated at the end of the year by Rusty Wallace. Only one problem with that, Rusty is leaving at the end of this year and Busch's contract with his new team doesn't start officially until 2007. That would still leave the seat open in 2006.
I guess the biggest question is will Roush let him out of the contract early or will Penske need to find a driver to fill the seat for a year?
It's kind of ironic that Roush started this early signing thing with McMurray and now it's happening to him.
Right now I'm still in shock, I've rooted for the #2 and Rusty ever since I started watching racing and now Busch is going to be in the car, I'm not sure I can root for him.
August 9, 2005 in NASCAR | Permalink
TrackBack
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d83451bce769e200d83458caf469e2
Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Kurt Busch tells Roush he's leaving:
» Well Now, This is a Blockbuster! from Full Throttle
When was the last time a reigning NASCAR Champion announced his intention to jump ship and switch to another race team? I damn sure don’t remember it occuring previously, but there is a first time for everything.Reigning Nextel Cup champion Kurt ... [Read More]
Tracked on Aug 9, 2005 9:15:29 PM
Comments
I am a huge Kurt Busch fan and am shocked he is leaving. But, folks - this is a spectator sport where loyalty is usually predicated on the biggest check being proffered by title-hungry owners. Kurt may be arrogant but he is among the best. Give the boy a break and understand he's not much different than Alex Rodriguez or Barry Bonds.
Posted by: Robert Combs | Aug 15, 2005 8:49:30 AM
I was totaly Blown away by the announcement that Kurt Busch was going to be driving the # 2 car. I too have been rooting for Rusty Wallace and the # 2 car ever since I can remember. Don't know If I can root for Busch in the # 2 Car either?
Posted by: Scott | Aug 15, 2005 2:01:51 AM
Regarding my last post: while the Hinton piece remains excellent, it seems to have been edited since I first read it. While it still mentioned David Pearson and Bobby Allison when I last loooked at 12 hours ago, the bit about Jody Ridley is no longer there.
Posted by: Doug | Aug 12, 2005 11:04:48 AM
Doug,
You are right about that and it is a subject that most sports turn a blind eye to.
Posted by: Jon | Aug 12, 2005 8:36:16 AM
Everyone should read Ed Hinton's piece in the last few days in which he applauds Busch et al. for taking care of #1, and that ain't a car number. His story of the driver who was hospitalized after a crash and who found out that the race team (with his clothes, car keys, and wallet) had left town for the shop, leaving him with a hospital gown and a driving suit, makes you realize how the good old days weren't. I found the piee somewhere on thatsracin.com, but I don't know if this blog appears elsewhere, so I hope you all can find it.
Racing isn't the only sport that has often treated its pioneers badly. There are many NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB players who fell on very hard times with no help from their sports.
Posted by: Doug | Aug 11, 2005 6:04:45 PM
Brian,
Earlier this year, ESad extended his contract with Yates & M&M's through 2008. I think it will be a longshot to see him in the #15.
And... I hope you are wrong cuz I REALLY don't wanna see my fav driver end up with DEI!!!!
Posted by: Christina | Aug 11, 2005 9:31:56 AM
Hold on there. Roush decided to part ways with burton and then he went on to sign with RCR.
Posted by: 48fan | Aug 10, 2005 11:43:51 PM
A gentile reminder for those that want to bash Roush, in particular "48fan" who said:
"HAHA, what goes around comes around. Ass in the hat gained a medicore one in McMurray and lost a very good one in busch."
This week's race at Watkins Glen is the one-year anniversary of Richard Childress hiring Jeff Burton from Roush Racing. As a result of that signing Jack released Burton from a still valid contract.
If indeed "what goes around"...etc, both Roush and Ganassi should release their respective drivers and follow the Roush lead.
Posted by: Marc | Aug 10, 2005 9:09:19 PM
I think Toyota might also be involved in this kurt busch. They might have a thrown a boatload of money at him to make him their showcase driver when they show up in 1 year.
Posted by: 48fan | Aug 10, 2005 6:42:53 PM
For money or that Dodge powerplant? Is this a move to leave Ford.
Posted by: Jimmy60 | Aug 10, 2005 5:34:07 PM
I like the list of changes to think through...but considering how crazy this silly season is, I am going to throw another out there right now. Rousch may decide to gove Kenseth anything he wants...so I have one driver that keeps flashing in my head for the 15...Elliot Sadler. I know this is far fetched, but no where as crazy as I would have sounded if I had last week said..Busch in the 2.
Posted by: brian | Aug 10, 2005 5:31:57 PM
That Toyota rumor has been out there was awhile now, esp with PRS...it's also asscociated with Waltrip...
Posted by: BlueDuece | Aug 10, 2005 5:03:25 PM
This also raises a whole other question...does this mean Penske is going to go Toyota in 07???
Why else might Busch make this move? Roush has the best equipment on the track now. And Rusty is one of the best drivers (BY FAR better than Busch IMO), yet still has had his share of mediocre cars last year and this year. So why would Busch make such a move unless there was some other drastic change in the works? Like T-O-Y-O-T-A?
Unless, of course, he thought driving a beer car could actually make him cool (not likely).
You heard it here first!
Posted by: Allison | Aug 10, 2005 3:54:06 PM
19Jay12, another good post and some juicy speculation to chew over. I have always liked the Burtons and would love to see Ward back in Cup. Of course, I also want to see Jeff in victory lane!
This move by Busch and Penske has made me wonder: what went into the choice? What is Penske or any other owner looking for in his new driver? Talent? Is it just money? Sponsorship? Ability to work with a crew chief? Ability to talk about setup and what needs to be done to fix the car? Willingness to do PR events? Personality/marketability? There are plenty of drivers out there (forgetting contract status for the moment) who are great racers: Busch, Kenseth, Harvick, Sadler, maybe McMurray, Jeff Burton, etc. What was it about Busch that got him the ride?
NASCAR is a bit unusual among sports in that there really aren't all that many hard statistics by which to measure a driver. Wins are the product of driver, crew, shop, and sometimes dumb luck. So how do you quantify when looking for a driver?
Posted by: Doug | Aug 10, 2005 2:09:33 PM
Well one things for sure... the BLUE DUECE will see victory lane at BRISTOL many times over now!
Posted by: BlueDuece | Aug 10, 2005 12:50:13 PM
Here's a silly season scenerio
K. Busch leaves #97 for the #2
K. Harvick leaves #29 for the #97
Clint Bowywer takes the #29 ride
Paul Tracy takes the #2 Busch Series ride for RCR but replaces Dave Blaney midseason
M. Kenseth leaves the #17 for the #15
C. Mears leaves the #41 for the #17
Reed Sorenson takes over the #41
McMurray stays in the #42 for another year
Martin stays in the #6 for another year
M. Waltrip takes over the #11
Sterling Marlin takes over the #0
Scott Riggs leaves the MB2 to drive Evernham's #10
Ward Burton takes over the MB2 ride vacated by Riggs
Bobby Hamilton Jr leaves the #32 and takes over the #43 for J. Green (Green goes back to the Busch series with his brothers)
Kenny Wallace takes over the #32.
Just some random thoughts
Posted by: 19Jay12 | Aug 10, 2005 11:58:58 AM
Compare the responses of Ganassi/Sabates with Roush to the annoucement of a driver signing with one year left. Ganassi/Sabates seem to turn things personal and do the "knee jerk" reaction. Roush says "no comment until we talk to our sponsors." Ganassi/Sabates say "you reap what you sow." Roush says "no comment until we talk to our sponsors." My guess is Roush will (1) obtain sponsorship approval to release Busch this year, (2) wait to make the announcement until later so as to keep Penske and Busch in limbo as long as possible, preventing the Busch/2 team from getting a good start to 2006. That's the most sensible thing to do. Personal vendettas have no place in the big business of today's NASCAR.
Posted by: Mark in Dallas | Aug 10, 2005 7:41:52 AM
Holy crap! This came out of left field didn't it? I'm stunned. I can't believe Busch is leaving Roush for Penske. That had to be a huge bucket of cash. I can't beleive how many good seats are open right now and how few good drivers there are to go around! I don't recall in over 20 years seeing it like this. Mind you I do remember 20yrs ago how many truly awful drivers there where that somehow managed to hang on to rides for the longest times. The pressures gotten higher in the past few years with the TV money and this is what's happening. I'm sure the agents phone lines are burning up tonight. Hang on for some wild changes and surprises in the next few weeks.
On one other note, maybe Tracy will make the jump from Cart to Nascar sooner. I would love to see him in a stock car. Can you imagine what that would be like! I'm laughing at the prospect of him in something with fenders. I think he'll do great but he's as close to (and don't start throwing crap my way because of this) Earnhardt Sr. as you'll ever get again. Speaks his mind, doesn't take any crap and drives the wheels off of whatever he gets into. This could be fun.
Posted by: Tony | Aug 10, 2005 12:38:59 AM
One thing that I have not seen in these comments is anything about Kenseth, who also has his contract up in at the end of the 2006 season. He has said how he is not happy right now at Rousch. It would not surprise me to see him in the 15 next year.
The idea of the super teams dominating has really taken hold this year, with people wondering how other teams are supposed to compete. While these teams have been rather dominant on the track, it seems that large teams do have a kryponite, and that is the ego. Silly season is not over for Rousch..not by a long shot. Now he will have to replace 3 drivers all within 2 years....unless he guilts Martin into a "farewell to you" decade tour.
Posted by: brian | Aug 9, 2005 11:41:32 PM
Whatever happened to learning before jumping in a Cup car? Times have sure changed. Now now now always in a rush. If you don't think that's a factor in the tire woes. Guys are up on the wheel driving harder than before.
Posted by: Scott | Aug 9, 2005 11:21:03 PM
19Jay12,
Jamie McMurray was uncertain of his future and when he signed with Rousch Racing. Ganassi had an option for '06 which he did not exercise until after it was announced that he signed to drive the #6. Rumors of him leaving Ganassi were plentiful and Chip could have said what his plans were for '06 at that time. I thought he was going to the #2 until he signed at RR. Just look to Casey Mears for another example of Chip's handling of drivers.
Marc,
Did you mean a rumored third car at RYR? Penske has Kvapil in the #77. Just thinking out loud here: What do you think of Jason Jarret in a start up RYR car? Recent history at RYR tells us they prefer not to develop drivers. Scott Riggs is not signed for '06.
I would like to see Geoff Smith release Ku. Busch from his contract for '06 and put Jon Wood in the 97 Crown Royal/Irwin Industrial Tools/Rubbermaid/Sharpie Ford Fusion. And then when Ricky Rudd retires move into the #21 and drive for the family. RR should have several options down the road with their development program.
Posted by: Todd | Aug 9, 2005 11:01:30 PM
Leaving aside all the nonsensical and childish comments about who hates who and who has a bigger fan base, this is a very large move by a reigning NASCAR Champion.
From my addmitedly faulty memory it may be the first time it has happened.
Is is also a very big move on the part of Dodge Motor sports and tend to believe they and Ford are also involved behind the scenes. Look for both Busch and McMurray to make the jump in '06.
Lost in all this is Ryan Newman's resigning with Penske, congrats. This also insures Mark Martin will be in the #6 in '06.
The remaining Penske question is who will be in the third car that they intend to start?
A short note on drivers jumping teams:
They like many are under contracts. But those contracts have limits, most importantly a time limit. As such drivers are free to sign with anyone at anytime whether under contract or not as long as it doesn't impinge on the contract in force.
Just because a driver ASKS to be let out of his contract early isn't an indication he wants to nulify his current standing. It only means he desires to take whatever legal means needed to leave early.
If anyone who claims it is disloyal to do otherwise is being disingenious.
Posted by: Marc | Aug 9, 2005 9:30:33 PM
My bad, I meant DonB, the B is right next to the N and I didn't double check, sorry.
Posted by: Petey | Aug 9, 2005 9:09:52 PM
DobB,
Good point, but WAY more people hate Johnson than like him, and Gordon is hated by more people than like him, though I do agree that he is definitely earning his fans by his on-track actions. I am a huge Jeff Gordon fan and have been all my life(I'm 19, so I was like 6 when he was in the Baby Ruth car in the Busch Series). While he is the second most liked driver, he's probably the second most hated behind Johnson. That comment was more about Johnson than Gordon though, but it semi-applies to him as well. Overall you either like Hendrick or you hate them, and since the majority of people are fans of other teams and drivers, they are more hated than liked, though they do have a huge fanbase.
MBVoelker,
Amen! The potential for Kyle Busch is absolutely unreal. The kid has 3 truck starts this year, 2 wins and a 2nd. Look at how all other drivers are doing in that truck. The kid can flat out drive, and when Gordon retires, I think Kyle Busch may just be better than him. I look at all drivers abilities without bias, and honestly, Kyle Busch is the most naturally talented driver I can remember coming into Cup since Gordon IMO. I am so excited about him and Vickers and what they can do.
Posted by: Petey | Aug 9, 2005 9:08:46 PM
DonB: You speaketh the truth, my friend.
Posted by: Hemi | Aug 9, 2005 8:46:49 PM
While Kurt seems cocky, I don't think he has anything on his little Weasel Kid (moniker from Jamie McMurray) brother. I don't root for him now, nor will I when he switches rides. However, DID Y'ALL SEE THE COMMENTS THAT FELIX SABATES MADE ABOUT JACK ROUSH????? Sabates can be an asshole and a blowhard sometimes, but I think it's fucking hilarious what he said about Roush.
Posted by: Ironman | Aug 9, 2005 8:33:45 PM
As for the 97 now being open ...
The dominoes have only begun to fall. I think that Casey Mears is probably the best driver without a long-term contract at the moment but the way things are going the entire garage could end up playing musical cars in the next couple years.
Posted by: MBVoelker | Aug 9, 2005 8:22:31 PM
Petey
I have a question for you, you said I quote"I think a lot of people feel the same way about Kyle Busch. He gets a double bad rap because he's Kurt's brother which not many people like and he drives for Hendrick and is teammates with Gordon and Johnson which not many people like." How can you say NOT MANY PEOPLE LIKE Gordon, when behind Jr, he is the most popular driver on the circut. And I've said this before, and not afraid to say it again, at least Jeff earned his fan base on the track, he didn't inherit his Fathers Fans.
Posted by: DonB | Aug 9, 2005 8:20:21 PM
Hmmm.
Interesting that no one cares about what happens to the 97 team (which, by-the-way, happened to put the best car on the track in '04 and is certainly in contention to repeat). There's a solid Crown Royal-Sharpie sponsorship and a pit crew which matches anything anyone else can put out there. What about the 97?
I think Jack plays hardball on this and pulls a Ganassi. Right?
So much for Rusty's Last Ride.
Posted by: buddynoel | Aug 9, 2005 6:38:32 PM
Roush should definitely let him go early. Why would he want to keep him for another year and include him in all their development work and setups and stuff? Now that he's made it clear he doesn't want to be there, just show him the door. I'm not a Roush fan, just calling it as I see it.
Posted by: David | Aug 9, 2005 6:06:53 PM
I agree with Petey. And to think, Kyle Busch has never driven two full years in the same series. I wonder if he'll be able to find his car with no rookie stripes next year. LOL :-D
The thought of Kyle with 5 years of Cup experience probably makes other drivers wake up in a cold sweat. By the time Jeff Gordon retires he won't be the best driver at Hendrick anymore and I'm not saying that Jimmie Johnson is going to take over that title either. ;-)
Posted by: MBVoelker | Aug 9, 2005 5:55:40 PM
Smart people do indeed plan their careers years in advance -- especially those in fields like architecture, consulting, and so on where they sign up for certain periods of time. Those who don't rarely manage to get anywhere.
Once again, people would deny race drivers the right to do what is common to other people in other fields of employment.
Posted by: MBVoelker | Aug 9, 2005 5:51:31 PM
Diane,
Oh yeah, I don't think Kyle has torn up that many cars this year, and when he has it really hasn't been his fault. He's blown a couple tires, such as Darlington and Pocono, which caused him a wreck and a bad finish at each, and he's had motor problems twice. I've thought he's done surprisingly well for being a rookie. I wasn't anticipating him doing quite this well, but he's proved me and everyone else wrong. I think he's the second best driver at Hendrick right now to Jeff Gordon.
Posted by: Petey | Aug 9, 2005 5:35:53 PM
Diane,
I think a lot of people feel the same way about Kyle Busch. He gets a double bad rap because he's Kurt's brother which not many people like and he drives for Hendrick and is teammates with Gordon and Johnson which not many people like. I am a huge Kyle Busch myself and while I do think in an interview or 2 after a wreck, such as with Harvick he appeared to be somewhat arrogant, I don't really think he is. Most every interview of his I've seen he's smiling, having a good old time, and really respects the other drivers. When Mark Martin, a guy who criticizes some of the younger guys, makes all kinds of positive remarks about you, you must be doing something right. But I do think you're right, it's the 2 factors combined that make a lot of people have a bad opinion of him from the start.
Posted by: Petey | Aug 9, 2005 5:33:38 PM
48fan & DonB,
Sorry I didn't explain myself very well in my comments about Kyle. Even though he's crashed many, many cars this year, he's still going to be a better driver than Kurt. I just don't think a rookie needs to be pushing other cars around on the track until he's paid his dues. I'm sure the incidents have been just rookie mistakes. I also think his interviews show him to be somewhat arrogant. Maybe my opinion of Kyle is clouded by the way I feel about Kurt. Or maybe it's because he drives for Hendrick. I expect you both are Hendrick fans, so I apologize for my comments.
Posted by: Diane | Aug 9, 2005 5:16:04 PM
Diane
Have to agree with the first part of your post. But why did you say Kyle is headed the same way? All I have ever seen from Kyle has been sort of humble, nothing like his Brother.
And I dispise Kurt, and who ever he drives for I hope it's a lot of Money, maybe he will retire and go away.
Kyle is going to start winning races, and one day will show his big brother how a real Champ should act.
Posted by: DonB | Aug 9, 2005 4:30:10 PM
diane,
Could you explain when you saw attitude from kyle busch?
Posted by: 48fan | Aug 9, 2005 4:18:57 PM
Good riddance. Kurt's money hungry attitude has given me another reason to dislike him. His arrogance is beyond belief. He's called other drivers ugly names, bad-mouthed NASCAR and been a totally unlikable champion. I hope the #2 doesn't win a race with Busch as the driver. Little Shrub is headed in the same direction - he has the same big-headed attitude as his brother.
Posted by: Diane | Aug 9, 2005 4:14:30 PM
jo you are an idiot. newman is the one of the least hard headed drivers on the circuit. like rusty wallace doesnt have a bif head. hell from what ive heard and read he is like a dictator and one of the hard-headedest ( is that a word) drivers in cup racing. he likes it his way or the highway. so for you to say that the garage wont be big enough for both of them is retarded. lay off the crack
Posted by: misterschmo | Aug 9, 2005 4:05:37 PM
Chad, how long do you think it will be before "tampering with a contract" is listed under "Section 12-4--Actions detrimental to stock car racing" in the NASCAR rule book?
Seriously--while this is a big coup for Penske, and probably has Toyota money behind it, both Busch and Newman are hard-headed, not team players, and have fairly sizeable egos. Penske may have the biggest shop in NASCAR, but is that place going to be big enough for both of them? If I'm Travis Kvapil, I'm already ducking....
Posted by: Jo | Aug 9, 2005 4:00:51 PM
Look for Ford and Dodge to get involved and for a 2006 swap to be worked out.
Posted by: GeorgiaFan | Aug 9, 2005 3:53:19 PM
MB Voelker, you said at then end of a contract, an employee can seek other opportunities, which is true, but both MCMurray and Busch are trying to get out of their contracts. They don't want to fulfill their obligations. You don't seek other employment 1 1/2 years in advance. They saw greener grass in another pasture and they are ready to move on. I think it's wrong but then again I don't know the situations in depth. As far as Jason Leffler is concerned, he didn't get enough time to gel with the #11 team. But in this day in age, owners want results immediately and Leffler wasn't producing. I am interested in who will take over the #10 Valvoline Dodge for EMS, the #15 NAPA Chevy for DEI, the #11 FedEx for Gibbs. And of course the #42 and #97 rides will be open and they are some top notch rides.
Posted by: 19Jay12 | Aug 9, 2005 3:33:09 PM
MB,
leffler is getting $5 million worth of loyaly...for not performing at all. He got his chance, and got a huge payoff for failing. I think Gibbs did alright by him.
Roush on the other hand has stuck by Busch when it woulda been a lot less of a headache for him to cut him loose, and has invested big bucks in him to try, against all odds, to get him a few fans.
Busch is hardly showing his thanks for the great rides, a championship, and a top-5 spot now. His motivation is pure, unadulterated greed.
Posted by: Allison | Aug 9, 2005 3:24:13 PM
The way some fans talk about "loyalty" you'd think drivers were bought like slaves instead of hired as employees.
Funny how the word "loyalty" doesn't come up with situations like Leffler's firing this week. Guess loyalty only works one way in their eyes.
Just like anyone in any field a driver whose contract is close to expiring has every right to seek out the best possible deal. His loyalty is rightly given to his own family and his own future -- just like yours and mine when we're in the job market.
Posted by: MBVoelker | Aug 9, 2005 3:00:41 PM
I like the idea of Kurt and Ryan as teammates. I think that they will be very compatable and work well together.
Posted by: MBVoelker | Aug 9, 2005 2:55:50 PM
I am in disbelief, Kurt Busch leaving a championship team to go to the #2. I didn't see that coming. Not that I think there is anything wrong with the #2 ride, but why leave a team that has won a championship, a team you've been apart of since 2000. More money I guess. Whatever happened to loyalty? Roush handpicked Kurt Busch himself and gave him a chance, just like Chip Ganassi did McMurray.
G, you're right, Roush lost Busch and gained McMUrray. Jacko got the worst end of that deal.
I appreciated the fact that Ryan Newman went ahead and signed long-term with Penske instead of allowing himself to be lured into other opportunities where the grass appears to be greener. That's loyalty. Newman's a class act.
Posted by: 19Jay12 | Aug 9, 2005 2:50:49 PM
HAHA, what goes around comes around. Ass in the hat gained a medicore one in McMurray and lost a very good one in busch.
Posted by: 48fan | Aug 9, 2005 2:45:39 PM
Chad, you're right, of course, that NASCAR can't block such moves, but I bet there are some owners out there who wish that something could block them! Will Roush let Kurt out of his contract? Methinks everything has its price. Compare/contrast Ganassi's apparent refusal to release McMurray to take over the 6 car.
Kathy, you're also right - there will be more of these raids. It's a big money game these days.
Posted by: Doug | Aug 9, 2005 2:26:24 PM
I agree 100%, however, it will be interesting to see how well Busch and McMurray will do with their future teams/cars.
Posted by: Onb | Aug 9, 2005 2:18:14 PM
I bet you're going to see a lot more of these types of signings, drivers are in demand and there's not many experienced ones to choose from when a seat gets vacated.
Posted by: Kathy | Aug 9, 2005 2:06:42 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
Advertisements
