Kurt Busch FIRED, Ragan in at Penske

[TeamBlueOval]

Dave Moody (@DGodfatherMoody on Twitter) is reporting, and he's not one to report stuff unless its true, that Kurt Busch will be fired this week. Penske is expected to announce David Ragan as his replacement in the 22. Moody cites Addington departure, Homestead meltdown, Kurt's attitude and performance as reasons for his termination.

This is HUGE if true. The Busch Brothers have themselves in ahead of trouble this year. And, there are really no good rides open in Cup right now. Plus, who would hire Kurt? Certainly not Roush, Hendrick, Gibbs, RCR ... Not many (if any) competitive options for Kurt.

I hope it's true for Ragan's sake. He deserves another shot with a competitive ride. Roush just didn't work out for him.

Sirius-Speedway.com for the latest from Moody and/or check out his Twitter feed.

[DeeDee]

By Jim Utter - jutter@charlotteobserver.com
Sunday, Dec. 04, 2011


For the second time in his Sprint Cup Series career, an off-track issue has cost Kurt Busch his job.

Busch will not return next season to drive Penske Racing's No. 22 Dodge, multiple sources confirmed to the Observer on Sunday night.

An official announcement of Busch's departure from the organization is expected today from Penske.

Just over a week ago NASCAR fined Busch $50,000 for the use of an obscene gesture and a profanity-laced tirade directed toward a media member during the Cup series finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

The incident with ESPN reporter Dr. Jerry Punch, which took place in the garage after Busch's car broke its transmission, was caught on video and posted on YouTube.

At the time, Penske Racing officials issued a statement saying they were reviewing the matter internally.

Asked if he could confirm Busch as the driver of the No. 22 team in 2012, Penske spokesman Jonathan Gibson referred to its previous statement and said the organization would have no further comment at this time.

In November 2005, less than one year after winning his first Cup series championship, Busch was fired by Roush Fenway Racing after he was cited for criminal recklessness in Avondale, Ariz., in what police described as an alcohol-related incident.

Busch sat out the remaining two races of the 2005 season. He began driving for team owner Roger Penske in the 2006 season.

Since joining Penske, Busch has won 10 races and his highest finish in the series standings was fourth in 2009.

This decision comes very late in the year and puts both Busch and Penske in a difficult position.

There are no quality rides currently available for next season for Busch to pursue, and no drivers with a resume on the track similar to Busch's available for Penske to hire.

Several drivers who competed in the Cup series this season remain without rides, including David Ragan, Brian Vickers and David Reutimann.

Read more: http://www.thatsracin.com/2011/12/04/80040/penske-racing-fires-kurt-busch.html#ixzz1fdGsdkl7

I'm hoping this opens a door for Sam :D

[TeamBlueOval]

I think Sam is better suited for another season (full time) in NW.

Hoping Ragan gets this one.

[DeeDee]

That might be true but well see how things play out. Sam has already had a good association with Pennzoil.

[JiggaStyles09]

wow! this is big news if it's true, which it seems to be. i like David & i hope it works out for him. as for Kurt it, will be fun following what comes of this & where he ends up since, like Andrew said, there are no top rides that are open for Kurt. shame to see a good talent go to waste but he brought it on himself & i for one don't feel the least bit sorry for him. Roger won't get any trouble from David that's for sure.

where do you guys see Kurt ending up assuming he is in fact fired??

[yatesracing]

Show me where Kurt was fired after just winning the CUP CHAMPIONSHIP. I was under the impression this was Kurt's idea.

Never was happy for anyone who left FORD for another mfg. but with Ragan (if it's so) The very BEST of luck.

I thought Ragan would be going over to RPM, that was what I was hoping to see.

[yatesracing]

Roush Racing announced Tuesday that Busch advised team officials that he has signed with another team commencing in 2007. Busch also requested a release from his contract for 2006. However, due to sponsor and team considerations, Roush Racing said no decision on that request will be made for an indefinite period.





Penske Racing South released a statement later Tuesday to say it has signed Busch to a multi-year contract.

"I met with Jack Roush personally Tuesday morning to let him know that I am committed to Rousch Racing and the No. 97 team as we attempt to defend our Nextel Cup Championship this season and through the remainder of my contract," Busch said in a statement released Wednesday morning, "but that I have signed a multi-year agreement to drive the Penske Racing South No. 2 car beginning in 2007.

[yatesracing]

and than maybe Roush let him go right than and there, but this was Kurt's idea to move to Penske

[TeamBlueOval]

The plan was for Kurt to finish the 2005 season with Roush, and then he would be allowed to join Penske for 2006. Roush fired him 2 weeks early because of the incident in Phoenix.

[yatesracing]

He fired him AFTER HE LEARN OF KURTS intention. Had nothing to do with the incident. Just a way of letting all think it was Jack's idea. Jack was shocked when he was approached by Kurt telling him of his move to Penske. This was Jack's way of covering up his fury with the anouncement made by Busch.
NO WAY would Jack have fired Busch if Busch didn't tell Jack he was leaving.

[TeamBlueOval]

I disagree - I have read numerous articles since from anonymous sources at Roush Fenway that said Kurt was probably going to be fired anyway because Jack was tired of putting up with him and his attitude. Jack doesn't put up with his drivers talking back to him, and apparently, Kurt thought he could get away with it after he won that championship. Jack wasn't happy, Kurt wanted to leave, so he left.

Now, Kurt continued his antics and Roger Penske got tired of it too ... he's getting exactly what he deserved.

I think Geoff Smith's comments from when Roush fired Kurt are applicable to Penske's situation today: “We're officially retiring as Kurt Busch's apologists, effective today."

[TeamBlueOval]

Penske Racing announced today that it has reached a mutual agreement with driver Kurt Busch to end its driver/race team relationship, effective immediately. The team will evaluate its options for the driver of the #22 Sprint Cup Series car in the future while Busch will seek new opportunities with another race team. "I appreciate the victories that Kurt has brought Penske Racing and our sponsors over the past six years," said Roger Penske. "While I am disappointed that Kurt will not be racing for our team in the future, both Kurt and I felt that separating at this time was best for all parties, including our team and sponsors. I wish Kurt the best in his future racing endeavors."
"I am grateful to Penske Racing for six very productive years," said Busch. "Together we won a lot of races -16 in all. Leaving a great organization and a lucrative contract is not easy, but it's an important step for me and allows me to take a deep breath to work on things that can make me a better driver and a better person. I want to personally thank Roger Penske for the opportunity that he has given me."(Penske Racing (http://www.penskeracing.com/news/index.cfm?cat_id=542&cid=50920))
~Jayski

"mutually" - do they think anyone believes that???

I think @nascarcasm's Twitter comment is a more accurate depiction:

To reiterate, my employer and I have reached a MUTUAL agreement to separate. They said "Get the f--- out of here." and I responded, "OK."

:lol:

[TeamBlueOval]

Jim Utter now saying that David Ragan will be announced as new driver of the 22 this afternoon. Great for David! I usually HATE when drivers leave Ford and go drive for someone else, and certainly don't pull for them. BUT, I'm going to make an exception in this case - David is a great kid, I like him a lot. I think he has talent, don't know why things never really meshed at Roush Fenway. I wish him the best and hope he does well at Penske. I didn't think he was going to get another chance at a "big time" ride in Cup, but looks like he will. Hope he can make something of it! :)

[TeamBlueOval]

Penske Racing President: Sam Hornish is not a candidate for the 22 next season. We intend to run him for the NW championship. It would be haphazard to throw him in the 22 now. He is just starting to get his feet back under him.

[yatesracing]

Great News--Never thought I would say this. See the impossible can be possible LOL I really like Ragan and this really wasn't his decision. Do you think Jack might of helped him with this decision?

[yatesracing]

Wouldn't it be something if Gibbs grabs him. Whoooo 2 Busch Brothers on one team UNBELIEVABLE . Who in the world would sponsors them LOL

[TeamBlueOval]

I'm sure Jack helped David with this. Jack released him from his contract and allowed him to look elsewhere. Jack could have kept him under contract and made him sit out next year.

As for Gibbs, doubt he could handle both of them!!

[Dog]

Penske Racing President: Sam Hornish is not a candidate for the 22 next season. We intend to run him for the NW championship. It would be haphazard to throw him in the 22 now. He is just starting to get his feet back under him.

That wasn't a problem last time lol


I wish it was Reutimann :/

Kurt would fit well into JGR's mold. But how much longer will he handle Kyle? Could they handle two Busch bros?

Next year I think he'll be either in a Ford or a Toyota. I was looking at the rides planning to be there next year and some of their statuses.

Possibilities in my mind
56- Napa would benefit for their best driver ever. Something tells me that Mikey might consider doing something like that :(
20- There were rumors that Carl would go there, so there might be a possibility that JGR still wants someone else. Kurt has connections, but are they good or bad connections?
39- Tony isn't above firing a crew chief that led him to a championship.
34/37/38 (I believe one of them split from FRM, but I don't know which) Hey, another version of SHR?
Petty grows to three??? They want to. Is he too good of a driver to pass up? Or does his attitude and references scare him away?
EGR grows to three?????? They have room to grow. Two fully sponsored teams (I believe.) so maybe could consider running him sponsorless partially if they could get about half-2/3 of the season sponsored.


These are all out there wild ideas, but to keep a ride in the cup series it has to be wild and out there.

Or do you think he'll be subjected to the Busch and/or Truck series?
Or will he have the problem of former champs in the Truck series? Struggling to find rides and sponsors....

We shall see.

[TeamBlueOval]

He won't be in a Ford. At least not one that gets any help from Roush. (which is all of them) Jack cant stand him.

[Dog]

Like I said- they are all wild ideas, but for him to keep a ride it has to be wild.

Who woulda thought Robby would return to ford?
Or Jamie to Gnassi?
Wierd things happen.

[TeamBlueOval]

I'm just saying that it's not just improbable - its impossible. Jack wouldn't stand for it. No way.

The others could happen, doubtful, but could happen.

I think the best he gets is an underfunded Cup team. Maybe he'll end up in NHRA or taking a year off.

[Dog]

That's another angle I hadn't thought of.

IndyCar perhaps?

[TeamBlueOval]

He ran some NHRA stuff this year, that's why I suggested that.

[Ford Dude]

I heard he had a tryout for "Dumbest Stuff on Wheels" :lol:

[JiggaStyles09]

The underfunded cup scenario seems the most probable. I can't help thinking that he'll have worse temper tantrums being that he (in all likelihood) won't be running up front as much as he was when he was with Roger.

[TeamBlueOval]

I was thinking the same thing, Brian. He throws fits in his good car, what will he do with a 25th-30th place car!?!?!!

[DeeDee]

Penske was out of the country and unavailable to comment directly. But Bud Denker, a senior vice president for Penske Corporation, said the split was best for all parties. "Kurt had some concern with our performance,'' Denker told ESPN.com. "Obviously, we had concerns with his on and off the track behavior. We agreed to take the high road for both of us. We agreed that separating at this time was best for all parties, including Kurt and the sponsors.'' Denker would not comment on whether Penske Racing had to meet any financial obligations to Busch, who had several years left on his contract. But he said "we have no further obligations, financially or contractually.'' Denker said while Shell Pennzoil was consulted in the decision, "it was ultimately our decision.'' "It's important for people to understand the nature of what we've done,'' Denker said. "It's a mutual separation. Kurt came to the conclusion and we have as well that it's time to move on. Kurt has been a terrific driver for us. He's a friend. We have been working with problems and issues in the past. It's well documented by everyone. As we looked at 2012 and beyond it was time to move on based on that incident at Homestead.'' Denker said it was a difficult decision, noting Busch has done a great job promoting sponsors for Penske Racing.
One of the criteria Shell Pennzoil had when it signed with Penske Racing last season was to have a championship-caliber driver. That prompted the move of Busch from the #2 Miller Lite car to the #22. Denker said Busch's replacement "may not be a championship driver right now,'' but said Shell is behind anybody they choose. He acknowledged that David Ragan, who won at Daytona in June, might be a possibility. Ragan remains under contract with Roush Fenway Racing, but he doesn't have a ride for 2012 because he lost sponsor UPS. Initial inquiries, multiple sources said, have been made. "It could be David, it could be others,'' Denker said. "We have not started that process yet.''(ESPN (http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/cup/story/_/id/7318544/kurt-busch-leaves-penske-racing-mutual-split&campaign=link&source=JAYSKI))(12-5-2011)

Another article and Video ... Kurt Busch talks about his mutual split from Penske Racing and working with a sports psychologist.: http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/cup/story/_/id/7318544/kurt-busch-leaves-penske-racing-mutual-split&campaign=link&source=JAYSKI

[JiggaStyles09]

yeah, i mean consiquently with a lower buget team you get a lower budget pit crew, lower budget cars etc. he'll lose it unless that "sports psycologist" thing works lol.

[RacingDude]

About time this happened. I know he wins at least 2 races per year and makes the Chase, but is his grating personality REALLY worth putting up with? I think not. He is now my least favorite driver after the way he has disrespected Roger Penske these past few years. Bye-bye to running competitive on a weekly basis, Kurt. Your best options are probably a team like Furniture Row, or worse!

Also, if anyone truly believes that this was a "mutual" split, I have a bridge in Colorado I'd like to sell you. :lol: Roger flat out fired him because his attitude is unacceptable.

[DeeDee]

#51-Phoenix Racing, which finished 30th in the owner points this season with Landon Cassill as its primary driver, and #71-TRG Motorsports, which finished 36th in owner points, don't have a driver signed for 2012. Owned by James Finch, Phoenix has one Cup victory with Brad Keselowski at Talladega in 2009. A spokesman for Phoenix said the team was keeping its options open. TRG is interested in Busch, and a spokesman said owner Kevin Buckler hopes to meet with Busch.(Sports Illustrated (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/tim_tuttle/12/07/kurt.busch.next.team/index.html))(12-8-2011)

[mattemmy99]

Good friend of mine ,who's a huge Kurt fan thinks he will go into drag racing.

[racinfan]

I can't picture Kurt not doing NASCAR. There needs to be someone to piss off JJ:p

[mattemmy99]

There's Kyle! He does a very good job,and Jaun!!!!!! Lmao

[racinfan]

Aside from his personality, Kurt is a very talented NASCAR driver.

[TeamBlueOval]

Aside from his personality, Kurt is a very talented NASCAR driver.

There's plenty of "talented drivers" looking for a shot that don't have his attitude though.

[TeamBlueOval]

Ragan talks to Penske; Kurt Busch will talk to Phoenix Racing: David Ragan has met with Penske Racing officials about replacing Kurt Busch. Busch's future could hinge on whether Ragan is hired. James Finch, the owner of Phoenix Racing, said he had a deal with Ragan to drive the #51 Chevy next season subject "to him getting a better deal.'' That possibility happened on Monday when Busch was released by Penske Racing, leaving the #22 with sponsor Shell Pennzoil open. Finch told ESPN.com on Friday that Ragan contacted him on Thursday to say he met with Roger Penske in Detroit and planned to meet next week with Shell Pennzoil officials. Ragan confirmed he met with Penske and other officials and planned to "follow up next week." Meanwhile, Finch said Busch contacted him about driving for his Spartanburg, S.C. -based organization. "I told him I'd meet with him and see what's going on,'' Finch said. "I haven't decided who I am going to put in my car next year. He wasn't necessarily at the top of the list." Finch said Busch's behavior that led to what was described as a "mutual'' split with Penske Racing wouldn't discourage him from hiring the 2004 Cup champion. He also said he wouldn't tolerate Busch's sometimes volatile behavior. "Kurt, his talent is pretty good,'' Finch said. "He's one of the best there is, but I'm not going to listen to that s--- and pay him money."(ESPN)(12-9-2011)
~Jayski

I love that last line from Finch! If he does hire Kurt, maybe he can straighten him out a little and put a stop to his ridiculous radio antics!

[Dog]

My dad said a prerequisite should be anger management. I agree with him lol

[racinfan]

There's plenty of "talented drivers" looking for a shot that don't have his attitude though.

No, there's not. He's a Sprint Cup champion with over 20 wins which is more than most active drivers with good rides.

[RacingDude]

I think Andrew meant that there are drivers with the same level of talent as Kurt who need a chance to prove themselves in NASCAR.

[TeamBlueOval]

I think Andrew meant that there are drivers with the same level of talent as Kurt who need a chance to prove themselves in NASCAR.

Yep, you got it.

[Dog]

Now its looking like contrary to past reports, maybe Hornish does have a ride.




Penske names new crew chief for #22 Dodge: Penske Racing announced that Todd Gordon is the new crew chief of the #22 Shell/Pennzoil Dodge Charger in the NASCAR Cup Series. The internal move comes on the heels of a successful 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) campaign, during which Gordon led the #22 Discount Tire Dodge Charger to six wins and six pole positions. "Our first priority is always to look within the walls of Penske Racing when making personnel decisions," said Roger Penske. "We want to reward success. The path we are taking with Todd mirrors what we did with Paul Wolfe who led the #2 Miller Lite Dodge to a Chase berth in 2011. We think Todd can get the job done in the same manner." Gordon made the move to Penske Racing in January of 2011. He and Brad Keselowski quickly developed a driver-crew chief rapport that resulted in another successful season, helping make the #22 Dodge one of the premier entries in NNS competition. "I can't thank Roger and everyone at Penske Racing enough for this vote of confidence," said Gordon. "It's an honor to step into a race-winning team. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but this is an organization full of talented people that know how to get the job done. I look forward to getting the Shell/Pennzoil Dodge back in Victory Lane." Penske Racing continues to evaluate drivers to fill the seat of the #22 Shell/Pennzoil Dodge.(Penske Racing), could the driver be Sam Hornish Jr.? as he is now listed as a Sprint Cup driver on his Penske Racing driver page.(12-14-2011)




And Andrew, not that its official, but I'm not the only one that said he could end up in a Ford (albeit I was thinking FRR)





RPM considering Kurt Busch in #43 car? UPDATE Sirius XM NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody has learned that in an effort to retain sponsor Best Buy, Richard Petty Motorsports has proposed replacing AJ Allmendinger as driver of the legendary #43 Ford with Busch. RPM struggled to re-sign Best Buy a year ago, negotiating until early January before inking a one-year contract. The electronics retailer served as major sponsor of the #43 team in 26 events this season.
Richard Petty Motorsports Chief Operating Officer Robbie Loomis confirmed today that discussions have been held regarding Busch, saying, "Best Buy has been a great partner for a long time, and AJ Allmendinger has done a fantastic job for us. He's coming off his best season yet, but I can tell you there is a lot of interest on our part in having Kurt Busch in the fold. It makes sense to have Kurt with our team, if we can make it work.
"Our main focus is to continue building on what we finished the season with last year," said Loomis. "But right now, I feel like I'm running down two different sets of train tracks. From a personal standpoint, nothing has excited me more than when I heard Kurt had become available. I'm excited about the opportunity to add a driver like Kurt Busch to Richard Petty Motorsports. I would mortgage my house to make Kurt a part of this team. We value what he has done on the race track. He has won a (Sprint Cup) championship and worked for a first-class operation like Penske Racing. Guys like that don't come along every day."
Allmendinger finished 15th in 2011 Sprint Cup Series championship points, with one Top-5 and 10 Top-10 finishes. His best finish was a fifth in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in late May. Busch won a pair of races this season at Infineon and Dover en route to 11th in points, tallying eight Top-5 and 16 Top-10 finishes. He parted company with Penske Racing earlier this month, in the aftermath of a much-publicized verbal confrontation with ESPN pit reporter Dr. Jerry Punch during the 2011 season finale at Homestead Miami Speedway (Sirius Speedway).
AND no word what Allmendinger would do IF this happens; and not too sure Jack Roush [who Busch drove for before Penske and had issues with], who team supplies cars and engines to RPM would allow this to happen.(12-13-2011)
UPDATE: RPM struggled to re-sign Best Buy a year ago, negotiating until early January before inking a one-year contract. The electronics retailer served as major sponsor of the #43 team in 26 events this season. RPM did not release an official statement on the speculation that either Allmendinger had been released or if Best Buy was ready to remain with the team for 2012. The possibility of adding Busch as a third entry has also been discussed but contingent on finding additional sponsorship.(CBS Sports)(12-14-2011)


Both articles from Jayski!

[TeamBlueOval]

I've been wrong before, looks like I'm going to be wrong again.