The older I get, the more my I find my thoughts and ideas morph and my appreciation for certain drivers change. For the last several years I have been like so many current NASCAR fans in my view and displeasure for a particular driver due to his brashness and attitude for most of his career. Im referring to Kurt Busch, driver of the #2 Miller Dodge. For some time now I have grown to dislike him for several reasons, none of which have anything to do with his driving ability, but more with the way he tries to conduct the interviews on TV and seemingly promote himself. He seems at times to be trying to hard to put on an act while on camera, more so, I my view than the rest of the top drivers in the sport.
Now that Ive reached the well experienced age of 50 with nearly 37 years as a NASCAR fan I find that the things that now attract me to certain drivers has changed. Growing up a HUGE Richard Petty fan I always knew there was more than just winning races that make someone an Icon in this sport. I have come to the conclusion that no other driver will ever equal Richard Petty in many of the areas that define him as an Icon in NASCAR and it would be a bit unfair to view todays drivers with the same expectations. But if I take the time to look and listen to todays drivers I can find traits that do excite me and take me back to some of the same characteristics that made my earlier heros some special.
Kurt Busch has won me over. Looking over the last several years Kurt has impressed me with his love for racing and his desire to win. But more than that is his desire to put on a great show for the fans. A few weeks back at New Hampshire he battled with Jimmie Johnson at the end of the race and put his team in position to win with a talented example of the Bump and Run, only to lose it when the pay back came the next lap. The hard diving was one thing, but it was the post race interview that finally opened my eyes and changed my view of Kurt. As disappointed as he was with the loss, he couldnt wipe the smile off his face. He was so happy to have been in such a tough race and great CLEAN racing for the fans. Door to door, bumper to bumper, fighting hard for every inch. As he called it Just Good Ol Fashion Racing.
It made me think back to the 2003 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 at Darlington. This ended in the closest finish in Cup history between Kurt and Ricky Craven. Such a hard fought battle and he ended up second again, but he was thrilled and excited because of the racing. Im sure he is disappointed that he didnt win either of these races, but he is able to see beyond the wins and understand that the show was great and the fans came out the winners. He showed a lot of class when he went to Victory Lane to congratulate Craven and again and again, talked about the racing. We need more like him in Cup today. I cant say I a big Kurt Busch fan still, but I admire his talent and his drive. But more than that I appreciate his desire to honor the racing of the past and show a little class as he does it. Way to go Kurt!
Agree or disagree? Share your views.
Darren in S. Carolina (aka Bumpertag)
updated by @bumpertag: 12/05/16 04:02:07PM
