Artist Sam Bass ‘heartbroken’ over Kyle Busch’s guitar smash

[kimmer]

Artist Sam Bass ‘heartbroken’ over Kyle Busch’s guitar smash

By Jeff Gluck

Sam Bass, the longtime NASCAR artist who painted the Gibson guitar smashed by Kyle Busch after the Nashville Nationwide Series race on Saturday night, said he was “stunned and heartbroken” to see his work destroyed in victory lane.

Though Busch immediately told Bass he “meant no disrespect” to anyone – the artist, Gibson or the track – Bass said Monday he’s struggled to accept the incident.

“It’s like raising a child,” Bass said. “You start out with nothing and you finish it and you hope people will take care of it. And it was stunning, absolutely stunning to see that thing destroyed within seconds of him getting it.”

Bass said Busch told him he would order two more guitars from Gibson to be painted like the one that got smashed, and the artist said he understood the “rock-star thing” Busch was trying to accomplish.

“It’s his trophy, he can choose to do with it what he wants,” Bass said. “But I’m not going to lie about it. If he had asked me, ‘Hey, I’m thinking about destroying that trophy guitar whenever I win it, what do you think,’ of course I would have told him, ‘No! Please don’t. Let us give you a prop guitar.’”

The Gibson guitar has become the symbol of Nashville Superspeedway, and the one Busch smashed was the 30th designed by Bass, who said the trophy has come to be “a very revered piece of history … and revered by the fans here in Tennessee.”

Seeing Busch smash the guitar after getting out of the car upset both fans and sponsors. Bass noted that representatives from race sponsor Federated Auto Parts walked out of victory lane after Busch’s act.

Bass estimated that he and Gibson put “hundreds and hundreds of hours” of work into the guitar, which is so unique that “you can’t just buy this thing right off the shelf.”

“A guitar might be a guitar and he might have seen rock stars destroy them and things like that, but at the same time, this is a trophy,” Bass said. “You wouldn’t think he would destroy the Daytona trophy or the Brickyard trophy or something like that.

“This is much more than just a guitar somebody plays at a concert and beats the hell out of when they’re done. It symbolizes something much bigger, much greater – and that’s the part I don’t think he thought all the way through.”

After the race, Bass smiled in pictures with Busch and told reporters he was OK with Busch’s act. He said his feelings haven’t changed and he has no interest in criticizing Busch for what happened, preferring instead to stick to a personal philosophy of always taking the high road.

“I’m not going to accost him in victory lane or fuss at him and berate him,” Bass said. “If he told me he meant no disrespect, I’m going to take him at his word that he meant no disrespect.”

But Bass couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened if the situation were reversed.

“What if I won a contest to win Kyle Busch’s car?” he said. “Let’s say the crew prepares it and everything else and I accept it at an awards ceremony and just start beating the hell out of it.

“I don’t think they would appreciate that, it would hurt their feelings that they put their work and time and energy and effort into it.”

And what if Busch races at Nashville again next year?

“I joked with someone that if Kyle’s in the show, we’ll make an exact replica – only it’ll be a pillow,” he said.

[Fundytrail]

MgyULXtcihw&feature

[Hydroman]

In all my years of watching sporting events, I have never seen such an idiotic move.

KYLE--you are NOT A ROCK STAR !!

If you wanted to share something with your crew, get into your very deep pockets and buy them each a replica.

You may be a talented driver but you need to grow up and start acting like a man and represent your sport in a professional way.

Hydroman:twisted::twisted:

P.S. In watching the Monday night TV program I also saw Mikey state that "he had no problem with what Busch did--confirming in my mind that his IQ is less than his car number!!

[TURTLEDOVER]

One word "disrespectful".

[mikerobar]

While I'm not much of a Kyle Busch fan, and I think I can understand his somewhat twisted thinking - DUMB MOVE KYLE!!!!!! And totally disrespectful - not only to the track and race sponsors - but to Sam Bass who has devoted his passion to Nascar. I hate to see what he'd do with the grandfather clock....

[comebackJARRETT]

Kyle Busch is a turd!
Every week he reminds me why I can't stand his a$$!
I don't like him and he has yet to give me a reason to even think about it.

[CdnGirl77]

I will freely admit to being a Kyle fan for a variety of reasons but I wasn't impressed with what he did on Saturday night. Yes, it was his choice to do so but it left a very bad taste in many people's mouths including many of his loyal fans who have suffered through all the crap we get for being his fans.

It would be interesting to hear what Coach Gibbs thought of the spectacle because I can't see him being very happy about it and the crew egging him on while he did it.

[comebackJARRETT]

Oh he is a good Driver, I can't say any different. There is a line he crosses more often than anyone else though. He just needs to act like a professional and it doesn't seem to me that he can do that.

[Buddlite]

Very well said CdnGirl77, I would think many of his fans feel the same as you do!!!!!!!!

[Nascar Bounder]

All you Jr. fans should just quit bitchin about Kyle all the time .Look at Dale and know Jr. just isn't very good. Lets talk about all you JR. fans standing up flipping off Kyle at the races. You all look really smart to all the young kids in the crowd. Get off your high horse and look at yourselves in the mirror. Go 14 Now HE rules!

[Buddlite]

Hey Bounder Chill abit

1. Not everyone commenting on this is a Jr Fan, either on this forum or other places. heck even some Kyle fans don't agree with what he did.
2. Don't think EVERY Jr Fan flipps off Kyle at races,
3. Smoke does rock

On to Michigan!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Nascar Bounder]

Hey Lite just frustrated by Jr. Nation after my trip to Dover.. The people who are flipping Kyle off every lap...wear WHITE and GREEN

Smoke Rules and his fans aren't a MOB...

[Shirley]

Back home in England, sports trophies in my favorite sport of football (OK, soccer on this side of the pond) are simple awards. They are made of sterling silver, are Cup shaped, and rise to a mere two-to-three feet in height. In a nutshell, they are exactly what you would expect a sports trophy to be. At least, that’s what I thought until I became involved with NASCAR — and realized things work slightly different for them.
Over the past couple of years I’ve been wowed — and not so wowed — but the many and varied offerings doled out in Victory Lane. So with that in mind, and in honor of the sheer level of creativity, here’s my unscientific list of the Top 10 NASCAR trophies that drivers would love to add to their collection:
The Martinsville Grandfather Clock
H. Clay Earles, the founder of Martinsville Raceway, came up with the concept of awarding a Ridgeway Grandfather Clock to the winners of races at his facility some 44 years ago. The first clock was awarded to Fred Lorenzen, who won the 1964 Old Dominion 500, and the tradition has continued ever since. The most recent Ridgeway Grandfather Clock — produced by a local furniture manufacturer — plays “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful” as well as the traditional Westminster chime. It is a genuinely unique and beautiful trophy worth over $11,000 — that’s more than some of the Top 10 finishers win in a Craftsman Truck Series race alone! My only real question here (and perhaps this is another article for another day) is what exactly do guys with multiple wins at Martinsville — think Richard Petty (15), Darrell Waltrip (11), Rusty Wallace and Jeff Gordon (seven each) do with their massive collection?
The Harley J. Earl Trophy
Designed by American automotive stylist and industrial designer Harley J. Earl, this trophy is given out to the annual winner of the Daytona 500. Featuring the Firebird-1 rocket car — a concept car Earl designed himself — this is the trophy every driver with stock car aspirations wants to get their hands on. No less an authority than Bill France, Sr. noted on Earl’s passing that, “He knew cars, for he was an artist-engineer. He knew people, for he was a man. He knew racing, for he loved the sport.”
The permanent trophy lives in the Daytona 500 Experience (formerly Daytona USA); but since 1998, a smaller replica is presented to the winner of the biggest NASCAR race of them all.

[Shirley]

The Monster Trophy
I remember when I first saw the Monster trophy, awarded to the winners at Dover International Speedway. It was perhaps the second day I worked in NASCAR, and my immediate thought was that it was some kind of joke-publicity stunt. It couldn’t be a real trophy, could it? Oh, right … it is. Wow.
The trophy itself is about 20 inches tall, made of sandstone and it’s, well, an ugly, blocky monster that somehow seems to represent the track just perfectly. One question, though: Does anyone think that the track organizers really have all 43 diecast cars available to slot into the Monster’s hand in Victory Lane?
The Bass Pro Shops trophies
OK, I know these trophies are no longer presented because Bass Pro Shops no longer sponsors the events in Atlanta, but I had to throw them in because of their uniqueness. And unique only begins to describe them — even by NASCAR’s slightly different trophy standards.
Past trophies from the company have included a giant green leaping bass and a soaring eagle; but perhaps the best of all was the giant life-sized grizzly bear Tony Stewart won in 2006. The bear itself absolutely dwarfed Stewart (and that was just the four foot wooden plinth the award sat on.) Weighing in at a ferocious 800 pounds, the trophy was far too big and heavy for Smoke to bring home on his plane — so by all accounts, the bear traveled home in the hauler. Only in NASCAR, people… only in NASCAR.

[Shirley]

The Gibson Trophy Guitar
A custom Gibson Trophy Guitar is awarded to every winner of either a Nationwide or a Craftsman Truck Series race held at the Nashville Superspeedway. Voted by Sports Illustrated as one of the Top 10 coolest trophies in sports, the guitar is a unique, customized prize that the designer of the award, Sam Bass, sees as being as much a trophy as it is a piece of art. No word on whether any of the winners have actually tried to wire up the thing …
The Beretta Shotgun Pole Award
This award is given not to the winner of the race at Texas Motor Speedway, but to the wheelman that turns the fastest qualifying lap. A custom made “Guibilileo” (Italian for ‘jubilee’) 12-gauge over/under Beretta shotgun worth an estimated $65,000 is the sweet reward for Friday’s winner. The Texas Motor Speedway logo is engraved on one sideplate, with the driver’s likeness, name, and number on the other. A Beretta spokesman noted that over 300 hours of labor goes into the engraving process, and in a sport where a number of the drivers like to hunt, it’s a fully functional weapon that can be used right out of the box. That is, of course, after they’ve run the main event…
Pistols and Cowboy Hats in Texas
In keeping with their intentions of creating trophies and awards that reflect the traditions of the Lone Star State, the winner of each of the Cup races at Texas Motor Speedway gets awarded a Cowboy hat and a pair of Beretta pistols. The hats are made by Charlie 1 Horse of Garland, Tex., and are the official suppliers of The King himself, Mr. Richard Petty.
The winner of the Spring race is awarded a straw-style hat, while the winner of the Autumn race gets a felt-style version. In addition to the headgear, each winner receives two working Beretta Stainless Stampede pistols. In Victory Lane, the winning driver gets to fire some blanks, too, which is kinda cool and oh-so-very appropriate in Texas.

[Shirley]

The Las Vegas Belt
There can be few more amusing sights in NASCAR than 150-pound Kasey Kahne lifting a heavyweight boxing-style championship belt over his meager shoulders. But the belt is a cool trophy, and it’s apropos for a race held at a venue such as Las Vegas. All that’s missing in Victory Lane is Michael Buffer’s patented announcement of, “Let’s gets ready to rumbllllllllllle…”
Which, come to think of it, would work out really nice.
The Elvis Trophy
At 27 inches, this 60-pound cast bronze statue — the only official statue of “the other King” ever commissioned — is a replica of the nine-foot version that stands on Beale Street in Memphis, Tenn. As you might expect, the trophy is awarded to the lucky winner of the Craftsman Truck Series event at Memphis Motorsports Park.
“Elvis was a sports enthusiast,” says Jack Soden, CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. “Cars were one of his passions, and he loved Memphis. This award in his image embodies all three.”
The Sprint Cup Trophy
Forget about the method by which it is earned, the Sprint Cup Trophy is a nice piece of hardware in its own right. It has a touch of the MLB flag-thing going on, but the 24-inch Tiffany’s sterling silver trophy is beautiful close up — and it’s a fitting award to the driver who earns it over the course of a grueling 36-week grind.

[Shirley]

All you Jr. fans should just quit bitchin about Kyle all the time .Look at Dale and know Jr. just isn't very good. Lets talk about all you JR. fans standing up flipping off Kyle at the races. You all look really smart to all the young kids in the crowd. Get off your high horse and look at yourselves in the mirror. Go 14 Now HE rules!
I am not a Kyle fan or Jr. fan and I respect each driver. I also respect each members of this website to chose who they would like to cheer for. And I do not go around flipping off any drivers or there fans.
Like Buddlite said take a Chill pill!!

[Shirley]

Hey Lite just frustrated by Jr. Nation after my trip to Dover.. The people who are flipping Kyle off every lap...wear WHITE and GREEN

Smoke Rules and his fans aren't a MOB...
Then go tell them at Jr Nation!!

[Bignascarfan]

All you Jr. fans should just quit bitchin about Kyle all the time .Look at Dale and know Jr. just isn't very good. Lets talk about all you JR. fans standing up flipping off Kyle at the races. You all look really smart to all the young kids in the crowd. Get off your high horse and look at yourselves in the mirror. Go 14 Now HE rules!
To bad it is all the fans of all the other drivers... Tell little baby Kyle to stop being such a poor looser. He wil always be a looser but he can stop being a poor one..... At least Jr knows how not to cry infront of the camara........

[Nascar Bounder]

I just did... All the people on their high horse should "chill"

[Bignascarfan]

Hey Bounder Chill abit

1. Not everyone commenting on this is a Jr Fan, either on this forum or other places. heck even some Kyle fans don't agree with what he did.
2. Don't think EVERY Jr Fan flipps off Kyle at races,
3. Smoke does rock

On to Michigan!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'll drink to that, but He earned the trophy and it was his to do what he wanted... He bought 3 more to replace it..... what is the issue other than his overall attitude? Yes I just took a jab at him but he is no different than any other of the young "bad boys" He'll grow out of it just like Smoke did.

[Ike(KE5WDP)]

To bad it is all the fans of all the other drivers... Tell little baby Kyle to stop being such a poor looser. He wil always be a looser but he can stop being a poor one..... At least Jr knows how not to cry infront of the camara........
Fail

[Shirley]

I'll drink to that, but He earned the trophy and it was his to do what he wanted... He bought 3 more to replace it..... what is the issue other than his overall attitude? Yes I just took a jab at him but he is no different than any other of the young "bad boys" He'll grow out of it just like Smoke did.
I thought that he was only going to buy 2 more? But, you know he could buy 100 more but non of them will be as special as that one was!
Sorry I have to disagree with this one. The trophy wasn't just Kyle's Trophy! That trophy belong's to each member of the Joe Gibbs Racing. Kyle only drives the car. What about all the guys and ladies back at the shop that makes it happen? That Guitar represent each person in Nashville, because if it wasn't for the people, there would be no race there. I have been reading some post that the people of Nashville are very upset with Kyle. And I can't blame them. I would be upset if someone came to TMS and just stomped all over the hats that are giving to the winner and the team. Nashville is the Home of Country Music not Rock.:twisted:

[CdnGirl77]

I'll drink to that, but He earned the trophy and it was his to do what he wanted... He bought 3 more to replace it..... what is the issue other than his overall attitude? Yes I just took a jab at him but he is no different than any other of the young "bad boys" He'll grow out of it just like Smoke did.

I wouldn't say Smoke has grown out of it. He has become an owner and finally realizes that what comes out of his mouth affects the $$$$ going into his pocket that he needs to pay his staff. I wonder if he's apologized to Coach for all the BS he caused over the years now that he sees the error of his ways. lol

I was a Smoke fan from the time I started following Nascar 4-5 years ago (F1 had got a wee bit too predictable and sterile for my liking). Unfortunately, he lost me last year when he was crapping on everyone from Zippy to Goodyear, seemed to have a permanent crusty mood and didn't have the brains to go to VL when Kyle won in Atlanta.

1. It was Toyota's first points win. 2. It was his teammate's first win with JGR. 3. It was the first time the # 18 had won in years. Instead, at 37 years old he mouthed off about Goodyear and never congratulated his teammate and showed less class than the 23 year old. I wouldn't say that's growing out of one's attitude problems, just changing from a cocky young gun to a cantankerous middled aged man who lives with alone with a couple of cats and a purse size dog. :rolleyes:

I wasn't a big Kyle fan until he joined JGR (they're my fav team) but he has grown on me... kinda like a fungus. lol While I was pleased for Tony to win the All-Star Race and Pocono, I just don't have that same passion for his personality and driving as I once did.

[Ike(KE5WDP)]

The problem with Kyle is Kyle is young. People don't like young people. That may sound crazy, but if you look at it through a young person's eyes, thats what they feel.

Another problem with Kyle, he is Kurt's brother. Kyle has never had a chance in NASCAR because of Kurt.

Another problem with Kyle, he was Jeffie Jordon's teammate when all of Junior Nation hated Jeffie Jordon. Now that the role has reversed, Jr Nation can stand Jordon because of the teammate thang and they now despise Kyle Busch. Now that Kyle has been way more successfully since the so called "trade", Jr fans hate him. Don't think for a minute that Jr nation does not effect what the non nation thinks. Its like being with the majority is much easier than being in the minority and standing out.

I am gonna stand with Kyle Busch through thick and thin. There will be a day win Kyle is a series veteran, and alot of people will say they liked him from day one, and that would be hogwash. Its a bandwagon thing.

To the above post where someone says that all Kyle does is cry, tell me where he has cried like a crybaby. If it is referring to how he declines post race interviews, whats the big deal? Only the top 5 are obligated to do interviews for the TV.

I just think people are phishing for reasons to hate Kyle. Its not really fair to him. When Kyle killed the guitar, his blood was pumping and adrenaline rushing. If he thought it through I am sure he would have done it a different way. But lets keep on trashing the 23 year old for making 23 year old mistakes. When I look back on the footage, I didn't see anyone trying to stop him. So why not put it on the rest of the team too?

I feel with the Kyle Hater Nation, Kyle will never be able to do anything right. People will still be critical of what he does.

[Nascar Bounder]

Well said Ike. Just one more pont for all the high and mighty out there. Most everyone says we need more personality in NASCAR. Kyle and Tony are about the only drivers that might tell you the way they feel. Admit it folks you all know EXACTLY what Jeff Gordon will say after the race.
The Dupont Chev. bla bla bla Jimmy Johnson Well Chad bla bla bla
Jr. mush mush mush . I like the guys that can wheel anything and have personality.

[Ike(KE5WDP)]

Well said Ike. Just one more pont for all the high and mighty out there. Most everyone says we need more personality in NASCAR. Kyle and Tony are about the only drivers that might tell you the way they feel. Admit it folks you all know EXACTLY what Jeff Gordon will say after the race.
The Dupont Chev. bla bla bla Jimmy Johnson Well Chad bla bla bla
Jr. mush mush mush . I like the guys that can wheel anything and have personality.
You and me are thinking eye to eye on this one.

Everybody wants drivers with personality. But when they get a driver with a personality, they complain.

They have been the same way with Tony.

I don't like boring drivers.

They will pull for Tony until Tony gets P.O.ed. And then they will complain about him again.

I will say it now. Kyle brings a change to the sport. Kyle will make people watch just to see what he is gonna do next. My wife has never bought a NASCAR shirt until this year when she bought an 18 shirt. She ain't gonna trash him just cuz he did one thing wrong.

Open mindedness people!!! It works!!!

[Bignascarfan]

I thought that he was only going to buy 2 more? But, you know he could buy 100 more but non of them will be as special as that one was!
Sorry I have to disagree with this one. The trophy wasn't just Kyle's Trophy! That trophy belong's to each member of the Joe Gibbs Racing. Kyle only drives the car. What about all the guys and ladies back at the shop that makes it happen? That Guitar represent each person in Nashville, because if it wasn't for the people, there would be no race there. I have been reading some post that the people of Nashville are very upset with Kyle. And I can't blame them. I would be upset if someone came to TMS and just stomped all over the hats that are giving to the winner and the team. Nashville is the Home of Country Music not Rock.:twisted:
He claims his goal was to break it into pieces so he could share it with all those people..... he went on to say something about a ban saw since he was too much of a weakling to break it up.....(had to ge tthe dig in) You are right he did say 2.
He also stated on tv that it was all the 88 or 8 fans complaining.... I am a Jr fan.....
And i still luv ya Shirly

[Bignascarfan]

The problem with Kyle is Kyle is young. People don't like young people. That may sound crazy, but if you look at it through a young person's eyes, thats what they feel.

Another problem with Kyle, he is Kurt's brother. Kyle has never had a chance in NASCAR because of Kurt.

Another problem with Kyle, he was Jeffie Jordon's teammate when all of Junior Nation hated Jeffie Jordon. Now that the role has reversed, Jr Nation can stand Jordon because of the teammate thang and they now despise Kyle Busch. Now that Kyle has been way more successfully since the so called "trade", Jr fans hate him. Don't think for a minute that Jr nation does not effect what the non nation thinks. Its like being with the majority is much easier than being in the minority and standing out.

I am gonna stand with Kyle Busch through thick and thin. There will be a day win Kyle is a series veteran, and alot of people will say they liked him from day one, and that would be hogwash. Its a bandwagon thing.

To the above post where someone says that all Kyle does is cry, tell me where he has cried like a crybaby. If it is referring to how he declines post race interviews, whats the big deal? Only the top 5 are obligated to do interviews for the TV.

I just think people are phishing for reasons to hate Kyle. Its not really fair to him. When Kyle killed the guitar, his blood was pumping and adrenaline rushing. If he thought it through I am sure he would have done it a different way. But lets keep on trashing the 23 year old for making 23 year old mistakes. When I look back on the footage, I didn't see anyone trying to stop him. So why not put it on the rest of the team too?

I feel with the Kyle Hater Nation, Kyle will never be able to do anything right. People will still be critical of what he does.
Who is Jeffie Jordon?....;-)

Us Jr fans did have to find a new rival for Jr, but Kyle made it easy to find one..... His brother has absolutly nothing to do with it...He evan seems to be anoid by his brother sometimes.....

Why will he not talk to the camara's when he looses? The other drives do...

[Bignascarfan]

Well said Ike. Just one more pont for all the high and mighty out there. Most everyone says we need more personality in NASCAR. Kyle and Tony are about the only drivers that might tell you the way they feel. Admit it folks you all know EXACTLY what Jeff Gordon will say after the race.
The Dupont Chev. bla bla bla Jimmy Johnson Well Chad bla bla bla
Jr. mush mush mush . I like the guys that can wheel anything and have personality.
High and mighty? we are loosing our sphinctors off right now........:evil:
We want to see the personality and if you have a lagitamit complaint thean voice it... Just think before you open your mouth. Do not run away from the camaras when you loose or get put out of a race.....
Smoke was right on when he complained about the Good year tires. More dirvers DO need to speak up.

[Bignascarfan]

Wow, Now that I have finaly replied to evey one just let me say this.

The long discusion below is exactly why we need more "Different" people in the sport. Some people get angry over discusions like the one here. Me I just want to meet these people evan more so we can "screem at each other" over a campfire at a race and than hand the other guy a beer and move on.

I can not deny that I love to see what kyle is going to do (or not do) next. Kyls is a good driver, Evan Jr says it, when Kyle losst his tail at the end of the season last year, Jr had enough Honor ans Respect not to bad mouth him. The only thing I dislike about Kyle is he Has absolutly NO respect for other people.

Kyl's winning days will end someday too. I bet he blames everyone but himself.
The great drivers agree with Shirly. The trophie at the end of the races is for the TEAM. When a race ends, it took a team effort to win. It also take a team effort to loose. When you listen to the scanner at the end of a race you hear the self centerd drivers blame anybody they can but never them selvs. All the drivers have done this a timeor two and sometimes it was the mistake of just one perosn, but in most cases it was a combination of people and things that caused the lose. There are certain drivers just two that I can think of that never take the blame for their own mistakes.

I hope that this has not agered anyone but this is part of the fun of this site. we can agree to dis agree and still have a drink over the campfire..... (evan if I am right....lol;):p)

[ToyotaFan]

I will freely admit to being a Kyle fan for a variety of reasons but I wasn't impressed with what he did on Saturday night. Yes, it was his choice to do so but it left a very bad taste in many people's mouths including many of his loyal fans who have suffered through all the crap we get for being his fans.

It would be interesting to hear what Coach Gibbs thought of the spectacle because I can't see him being very happy about it and the crew egging him on while he did it.


I am also a loyal Kyle fan and you said it exactly the way I feel!

[Shirley]

He claims his goal was to break it into pieces so he could share it with all those people..... he went on to say something about a ban saw since he was too much of a weakling to break it up.....(had to ge tthe dig in) You are right he did say 2.
He also stated on tv that it was all the 88 or 8 fans complaining.... I am a Jr fan.....
And i still luv ya Shirly:oops:
I still Luv you tooo Bignascarfan!!

[CdnGirl77]

Who is Jeffie Jordon?....;-)

Us Jr fans did have to find a new rival for Jr, but Kyle made it easy to find one..... His brother has absolutly nothing to do with it...He evan seems to be anoid by his brother sometimes.....

Why will he not talk to the camara's when he looses? The other drives do...

Kyle did speak with the media when he was runner-up to Joey after the Nationwide race Saturday night. If he's in the top five he speaks, if he's not he doesn't. Simple as that.

He finished 13th Sunday and wasn't interviewed. Kasey Kahne wasn't interviewed either. Jimmie Johnson was. If a driver chooses to be interviewed at that point when they've finished out of the top five or after a crash, that's their choice. There's nothing on the books that says they have to talk unless they're in the top five.

[Ike(KE5WDP)]

Who is Jeffie Jordon?....;-)

Us Jr fans did have to find a new rival for Jr, but Kyle made it easy to find one..... His brother has absolutly nothing to do with it...He evan seems to be anoid by his brother sometimes.....

Why will he not talk to the camara's when he looses? The other drives do...
Here is why I don't agree with putting a camera on Kyle's face when he wrecks out or messes up in the pits.

Reporter: Kyle, you finished 32 after running 1st, what happened?

Kyle: We had a tire blow out.

Reporter: How do you feel about that?

Kyle: I am pissed.


Hello... this is so obvious!!!! Some one is gonna blog about how much a crybaby he is because he i pissed that his tire blew out. Do ya'll think that he should be smileying when he is pissed. Just cuz Jimmie Johnson can does not mean Kyle can.

Jeffie Jordon= well you know...I ain't never found any love for ole Jeffie...his wife is a hottie though...

[minabruuke]

Why should Stewart go to victory lane to congratulate Kyle when Kyle would not have went to victory lane if it had been Stewart there? I recall Stewart going to congratulate many drivers in victory lane, drivers that he respects and can get along with it. It is fairly clear that Kyle and Tony do not like each other. For all we know, Tony congratulated Kyle's team and Gibbs on this win but there is no reason he should be expected to go congratulate them at a certain place at a certain time as he very well may have congratulated Toyota on this win. Yes Kyle was Tony's teammate, so what?! This wasn't Tony's win, he does not have to go to victory lane! Tony very well could have had obligations that prevented him going over to victory lane; I've been behind the scenes these guys have hectic lives there are times that they get out of that car and have to run to the helicopter to make it to an appearance or such. Tony could have wanted to go to victory lane and been held up with the media...maybe we didn't see it on tv because it wasn't the news but there papers and magazines there too. I just think it is an extremely silly thing to judge him for because we don't know why he wasn't there!

I totally understand how your opinions of Tony have changed for the worse and I respect your opinion because it is the side of Tony you know and have seen potrayed in the media. Tony is very opinionated and he has said things that he shouldn't have in the past. The thing is that his comments towards Goodyear have typically been entirely justified, he was just the only one with the guts to step up and say what many others were thinking. Tony has also said things that were uncalled for and from what I heard he, unlike Kyle, has regreted and apologized for most of those comments.

I have personally met Tony and Kyle. I found Tony to be a very down to earth, hilarious and truly nice guy. Yes, he has a temper and he is very opinonated but that is not what defines Tony. He has a great personalityand though he has had his fair share of occasions where he has lost his temper and said things he probably shouldn't have that is not his typical character. On average he is a fun and truly entertaining person to be around. He has more friends and that garage than he does enemies, the media just fails to show us that side of him.

As for Kyle, I think he is one hell of a driver but he is truly an a**. In his case the media makes him look nice. Each time I've been around him, I've liked him less and less. I've tried to remain respectul of him at least as a driver, but I can't respect anyone who treats people the way he does. The way he talks to the people around the Nascar garage is appaling. He truly seems to believe he is better than everyone else(I don't mean he thinks he is a better driver, which he does but that is fine he is a good driver). It is sad he can't talk to the media but having seen him away from the media I think it is a damn good thing he does run away because his attitude and language when he is not happy is not something that be shown on national television especially when Nascar strives to be family friendly. Last summer I overheard him say to his PR rep that "there is nothing he hates more in this world than HIS fans." I'd say it is a pretty damn good thing he said that away from the media.

For those of you are Kyle Busch fans, I'm not trying to convince you not to be his fan...please don't think I mean any disrespect to any of you. Nor am I trying to convince anyone to be Tony's fan(after all I'm Kahne, Vickers and Logano fan so I'd have no reason to do that). I'm just giving my opinon and sharing what I have witnessed first hand.


I wouldn't say Smoke has grown out of it. He has become an owner and finally realizes that what comes out of his mouth affects the $$$$ going into his pocket that he needs to pay his staff. I wonder if he's apologized to Coach for all the BS he caused over the years now that he sees the error of his ways. lol

I was a Smoke fan from the time I started following Nascar 4-5 years ago (F1 had got a wee bit too predictable and sterile for my liking). Unfortunately, he lost me last year when he was crapping on everyone from Zippy to Goodyear, seemed to have a permanent crusty mood and didn't have the brains to go to VL when Kyle won in Atlanta.

1. It was Toyota's first points win. 2. It was his teammate's first win with JGR. 3. It was the first time the # 18 had won in years. Instead, at 37 years old he mouthed off about Goodyear and never congratulated his teammate and showed less class than the 23 year old. I wouldn't say that's growing out of one's attitude problems, just changing from a cocky young gun to a cantankerous middled aged man who lives with alone with a couple of cats and a purse size dog. :rolleyes:

I wasn't a big Kyle fan until he joined JGR (they're my fav team) but he has grown on me... kinda like a fungus. lol While I was pleased for Tony to win the All-Star Race and Pocono, I just don't have that same passion for his personality and driving as I once did.

[Ike(KE5WDP)]

Why should Stewart go to victory lane to congratulate Kyle when Kyle would not have went to victory lane if it had been Stewart there? I recall Stewart going to congratulate many drivers in victory lane, drivers that he respects and can get along with it. It is fairly clear that Kyle and Tony do not like each other. For all we know, Tony congratulated Kyle's team and Gibbs on this win but there is no reason he should be expected to go congratulate them at a certain place at a certain time as he very well may have congratulated Toyota on this win. Yes Kyle was Tony's teammate, so what?! This wasn't Tony's win, he does not have to go to victory lane! Tony very well could have had obligations that prevented him going over to victory lane; I've been behind the scenes these guys have hectic lives there are times that they get out of that car and have to run to the helicopter to make it to an appearance or such. Tony could have wanted to go to victory lane and been held up with the media...maybe we didn't see it on tv because it wasn't the news but there papers and magazines there too. I just think it is an extremely silly thing to judge him for because we don't know why he wasn't there!

I totally understand how your opinions of Tony have changed for the worse and I respect your opinion because it is the side of Tony you know and have seen potrayed in the media. Tony is very opinionated and he has said things that he shouldn't have in the past. The thing is that his comments towards Goodyear have typically been entirely justified, he was just the only one with the guts to step up and say what many others were thinking. Tony has also said things that were uncalled for and from what I heard he, unlike Kyle, has regreted and apologized for most of those comments.

I have personally met Tony and Kyle. I found Tony to be a very down to earth, hilarious and truly nice guy. Yes, he has a temper and he is very opinonated but that is not what defines Tony. He has a great personalityand though he has had his fair share of occasions where he has lost his temper and said things he probably shouldn't have that is not his typical character. On average he is a fun and truly entertaining person to be around. He has more friends and that garage than he does enemies, the media just fails to show us that side of him.

As for Kyle, I think he is one hell of a driver but he is truly an a**. In his case the media makes him look nice. Each time I've been around him, I've liked him less and less. I've tried to remain respectul of him at least as a driver, but I can't respect anyone who treats people the way he does. The way he talks to the people around the Nascar garage is appaling. He truly seems to believe he is better than everyone else(I don't mean he thinks he is a better driver, which he does but that is fine he is a good driver). It is sad he can't talk to the media but having seen him away from the media I think it is a damn good thing he does run away because his attitude and language when he is not happy is not something that be shown on national television especially when Nascar strives to be family friendly. Last summer I overheard him say to his PR rep that "there is nothing he hates more in this world than HIS fans." I'd say it is a pretty damn good thing he said that away from the media.

For those of you are Kyle Busch fans, I'm not trying to convince you not to be his fan...please don't think I mean any disrespect to any of you. Nor am I trying to convince anyone to be Tony's fan(after all I'm Kahne, Vickers and Logano fan so I'd have no reason to do that). I'm just giving my opinon and sharing what I have witnessed first hand.

There is a friendship between Tony and Kyle. At first their wasn't because Tony didn't like how Kyle was treating the veterans on the track. But once Kyle started respecting the other drivers, Tony has been Ok with him. Kurt is the one that Tony does not like.

Tony's words to Kyle on TSL last year, "I like you despite your relation to Kurt".

Just clearing that up...

[Bignascarfan]

Here is why I don't agree with putting a camera on Kyle's face when he wrecks out or messes up in the pits.

Reporter: Kyle, you finished 32 after running 1st, what happened?

Kyle: We had a tire blow out.

Reporter: How do you feel about that?

Kyle: I am pissed.


Hello... this is so obvious!!!! Some one is gonna blog about how much a crybaby he is because he i pissed that his tire blew out. Do ya'll think that he should be smileying when he is pissed. Just cuz Jimmie Johnson can does not mean Kyle can.

Jeffie Jordon= well you know...I ain't never found any love for ole Jeffie...his wife is a hottie though... Yes She is.... but don't tell my wife...:rolleyes:she hate the women cause she likes him......

Anyway

That is not how Kylw would answer is it? No!!! Some how the flat tire would be someone ellses fault....

[Instigator]

Ya know.... he won the trophy and it's his to do with what ever he wants. As good as he is he will probably win a few more of those guitar's. I think it was a stupid move but it's his time spent to do what he does as well as he does.
He is a punk. And some day he may grow up. But he can do with his trophy's what ever he wants. Even put them where the sun don't shine.

[bigolepig]

Wowie...I have missed the great debate of the season!!

All I can say is from now on they need to present him a trophy and a sledgehammer, so that way he can share with everyone...if that is in fact what he wants to do. ;)

I make no bones about it...I like the black sheep, for the reason they add some color to the rest of the flock. I get irritated with NASCAR when they say things are detrimental to the sport...when they are some of the most talked about things in the media. How is that detrimental??

Now I can't say that what Kyle did with the Guitar was acceptable to everyone...but it certainly reinforced my position as a Kyle Fan, bring on the boo-birds, cause I will be the one standing and cheering him on!!

[CdnGirl77]

Why should Stewart go to victory lane to congratulate Kyle when Kyle would not have went to victory lane if it had been Stewart there? I recall Stewart going to congratulate many drivers in victory lane, drivers that he respects and can get along with it. It is fairly clear that Kyle and Tony do not like each other. For all we know, Tony congratulated Kyle's team and Gibbs on this win but there is no reason he should be expected to go congratulate them at a certain place at a certain time as he very well may have congratulated Toyota on this win. Yes Kyle was Tony's teammate, so what?! This wasn't Tony's win, he does not have to go to victory lane! Tony very well could have had obligations that prevented him going over to victory lane; I've been behind the scenes these guys have hectic lives there are times that they get out of that car and have to run to the helicopter to make it to an appearance or such. Tony could have wanted to go to victory lane and been held up with the media...maybe we didn't see it on tv because it wasn't the news but there papers and magazines there too. I just think it is an extremely silly thing to judge him for because we don't know why he wasn't there!

I totally understand how your opinions of Tony have changed for the worse and I respect your opinion because it is the side of Tony you know and have seen potrayed in the media. Tony is very opinionated and he has said things that he shouldn't have in the past. The thing is that his comments towards Goodyear have typically been entirely justified, he was just the only one with the guts to step up and say what many others were thinking. Tony has also said things that were uncalled for and from what I heard he, unlike Kyle, has regreted and apologized for most of those comments.

I have personally met Tony and Kyle. I found Tony to be a very down to earth, hilarious and truly nice guy. Yes, he has a temper and he is very opinonated but that is not what defines Tony. He has a great personalityand though he has had his fair share of occasions where he has lost his temper and said things he probably shouldn't have that is not his typical character. On average he is a fun and truly entertaining person to be around. He has more friends and that garage than he does enemies, the media just fails to show us that side of him.

As for Kyle, I think he is one hell of a driver but he is truly an a**. In his case the media makes him look nice. Each time I've been around him, I've liked him less and less. I've tried to remain respectul of him at least as a driver, but I can't respect anyone who treats people the way he does. The way he talks to the people around the Nascar garage is appaling. He truly seems to believe he is better than everyone else(I don't mean he thinks he is a better driver, which he does but that is fine he is a good driver). It is sad he can't talk to the media but having seen him away from the media I think it is a damn good thing he does run away because his attitude and language when he is not happy is not something that be shown on national television especially when Nascar strives to be family friendly. Last summer I overheard him say to his PR rep that "there is nothing he hates more in this world than HIS fans." I'd say it is a pretty damn good thing he said that away from the media.

For those of you are Kyle Busch fans, I'm not trying to convince you not to be his fan...please don't think I mean any disrespect to any of you. Nor am I trying to convince anyone to be Tony's fan(after all I'm Kahne, Vickers and Logano fan so I'd have no reason to do that). I'm just giving my opinon and sharing what I have witnessed first hand.

Ummm, you missed the point of my post about Tony. It wasn't about him going to VL for Kyle only, it was the bigger picture of JGR and Toyota. He chose to go on national TV and crap on Goodyear instead.

As for your interpretation of things you've overheard or watched in the garage area, I take that with a very small grain of salt because gossip and insinuations are rampant in the Nascar community.

You can get various opinions of every driver out there from Tony to Kyle to Jeffy to Junior based on whether they're having a good day, bad day or want something from you or you want something from them. I'll leave it at that...

[Ike(KE5WDP)]

Wowie...I have missed the great debate of the season!!

All I can say is from now on they need to present him a trophy and a sledgehammer, so that way he can share with everyone...if that is in fact what he wants to do. ;)

I make no bones about it...I like the black sheep, for the reason they add some color to the rest of the flock. I get irritated with NASCAR when they say things are detrimental to the sport...when they are some of the most talked about things in the media. How is that detrimental??

Now I can't say that what Kyle did with the Guitar was acceptable to everyone...but it certainly reinforced my position as a Kyle Fan, bring on the boo-birds, cause I will be the one standing and cheering him on!!

You got the idea, man.

Now you just have to work on that signature. Robby Gordon = NASCAR FAIL

[bigolepig]

Rip on Robby all you want. Failure?? Success is how you learn to overcome things...failure is giving up. Bigger and better funded shops have had to merge or close up all together...This one man show has managed to stay a float.

And for the record...it's WO-MAN here

[Bignascarfan]

Wowie...I have missed the great debate of the season!!

All I can say is from now on they need to present him a trophy and a sledgehammer, so that way he can share with everyone...if that is in fact what he wants to do. ;)

I make no bones about it...I like the black sheep, for the reason they add some color to the rest of the flock. I get irritated with NASCAR when they say things are detrimental to the sport...when they are some of the most talked about things in the media. How is that detrimental??

Now I can't say that what Kyle did with the Guitar was acceptable to everyone...but it certainly reinforced my position as a Kyle Fan, bring on the boo-birds, cause I will be the one standing and cheering him on!!
Oh your just a Pig......;):p Luv ya Pig

[bigolepig]

Oh your just a Pig......;):p Luv ya Pig


Right back at ya Biggie!! :p

[mikerobar]

I started following Nascar back in 1994, not a whole lot, but as stated by someone previously, F1 was really getting boring and soon after any passion I had left for open wheels was dashed by the messy divorce between CART & IRL. It really started for me on a Sunday morning in 1995 and I watched my first Busch Clash. I watched a black car with the #3 on it bully his way to the front of the field to get the win. That day I found a favorite driver - Dale Earnhardt. I was hooked. After 2001 I naturally became an 8, then 88 fan - follow the name. I hope to think that Junior may someday really make a mark on the sport, but regardless, he's my guy - I loved to watch his dad, and I stuck with him even though he never won another championship!
But I've always had respect for guys who liked to do thier own thing, tell it like it is, and race hard. I could've been a Tony Stewart fan (and I secretly am) - there's a little Earnhardt in that guy, for sure. But I work for Staples, so I can't possibly wear an Office Depot hat - lol!!! Lots of guys can win - but I can't go for a guy who races for points or plays it safe (Jimmie Johnson - no offense to #48 fans). This brings me to "Rowdy". There's a little Earnhardt in that guy two - but you can be good and cocky (Lord knows Earnhardt was) but you can't be disrespectful and hold my respect. Kyle's got a lot of growing up to do. Someday, he might be turn out to be a real race car driver, yet.
That's my two cents.

[Ike(KE5WDP)]

Rip on Robby all you want. Failure?? Success is how you learn to overcome things...failure is giving up. Bigger and better funded shops have had to merge or close up all together...This one man show has managed to stay a float.

And for the record...it's WO-MAN here
I really hate Hijacking this thread, but I do have to respond to this.

Robby Gordon is 34th in points. If he gets lower than 35th in points, he has to qualify on speed to get in these races. If Robby fails to make some races, he may fail to hang on to his sponsors. As I recall, he has had problems with keeping sponsors in the past. With todays economy, there is not alot of sponsor ship out there like there was a couple of years ago. I would think the smart thing to do is to merge with a team and have resources. Get to where the team is competing with wins, and then start to distance yourself from the recourses. Because then, you will be able to afford and create something that is winnable.

But if Gordon does not do this or if he does not put someone in the car who is a NASCAR wheel man....he is setting his self for failure.

I am not trying to turn you against your driver, I am just debating the fact that Gordon = Nascar failure. If not now, soon.

I will now get us back on topic. All hail Kyle Busch for smashing the Gibson.

[Buddlite]

Lets just move on folks.. I'm sure Kyle has!!!!ROFL..lots of camping and racing ahead of us :)