Could Kurt Busch run Nationwide for Kyle?

[DeeDee]

Word is Busch declined RPM's offer to be considered for the # 43 ride ending speculation the controversial driver would bounce back from his Penske departure with at least a 1A-type team ride. Busch has remained publicly quiet on what exactly he does have up his sleeve for next year and behind. He went on a very aggressive media blitz immediately after he and Penske parted ways and assured everyone there was interest on many fronts for his talents. There is speculation he is indeed following through on his thought of walking away from NASCAR for at least a year and running an NHRA Pro Stock car for the 2012 season, an off-shoot of his enjoyable time at last year's Gatornationals. But with little brother Kyle's Nationwide Series ride still open, many believe the Busch boys will indeed team up for next season in a combined NWS-truck series program out of the KBM stable.(Motor Racing Network (http://www.motorracingnetwork.com/Race-Series/NASCAR-Sprint-Cup/News/Articles/2011/12/Trio-of-Stories-to-Watch.aspx))(12-22-2011)

[DeeDee]

On Thursday, Phoenix Racing announced it had hired [Kurt Busch] to drive for its #51 Chevy team next season. The #51 entered every Cup race in 2011 with several different drivers. The news release announcing Busch's move said he would drive a "full schedule" with the team. Busch is also expected to join forces with his younger brother, Kyle, and drive for Kyle's Nationwide series team in 2012. One option being considered is for Kurt Busch to run the full Nationwide schedule and compete for the series championship, multiple sources said. Under NASCAR's current system, Busch will only be able to earn driver points in only one series. It remains unclear what effect Thursday's Cup announcement will have on the Nationwide plans. A spokesman for Kyle Busch Motorsports said Friday the team was still finalizing its driver lineup and would not have any official announcements until after Jan. 1. (Charlotte Observer (http://www.thatsracin.com/2011/12/22/80149/kurt-picks-up-cup-ride-and-likely.html))(12-23-2011)

[Mr.Right]

Its looking that way.

No Trucks or Nationwide races for Kyle Busch in 2012? #18-Kyle Busch is unlikely to compete in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2012, at the request of Joe Gibbs Racing and their Sprint Cup Series sponsor, M&Ms. Kyle Busch Motorsports General Manager Rick Ren confirmed today that there is "a high probability" that Busch will withdraw from the 2012 Truck Series. "That topic is being discussed almost constantly around here right now," he said, adding, "It is not necessarily something that Kyle chose. If he doesn't run Trucks this year, it will be at the request (of JGR). Not by demand, but by request. Things change on an hour-by-hour basis, but if I had to answer you right now, I'd say he will probably not race in the Truck Series next year. There is a possibility of him running no Nationwide races under certain circumstances, as well. There are a lot of things being discussed right now, which makes it pretty tough on me. I've been trying to figure out whether Kyle's going to be available to run our Trucks and Nationwide cars, then determine whether the individual sponsors will stay around without him behind the wheel. I believe Kyle will drive a KBM Nationwide Series Toyota in a certain number of races next year," said Ren. "I can't swear to it, but that's what it look like today."(Sirius Speedway)(12-24-2011
I guess Gibbs feels Kyle gets himself in too much 'trouble' in the minor-leagues...

[Dog]

(and Mars<--probably moreso them)

Well Kyle needs someone to fill those rides that he can't.:lol:

[RacingDude]

I'm not sure if Kurt could still run races for Kyle, but I hope he doesn't. It would be the same situation as it was when Kyle was in the seat: talented Cup driver dominating NW with assistance from a Cup team.

[Dog]

Why not?

[RacingDude]

Same reason I didn't like Kyle, Carl or Brad running Nationwide races: I'd rather see the series regulars be recognized.

[Mr.Right]

I'd much rather see him give the seat to either a young driver working up through the ranks or to someone currently without a Cup ride attempting to get back to the top (Ragan, Reutimann, etc) but the fact is $ponsors prefer to go with the established, more recognized 'stars' especially since the odds are those are the guys who will put their company logo victory lane. Unless Kyle is able to convince Gibbs/M&Ms to let him run, Kurt is an excellent choice, sponsorwise, to drive the NW car competitively this season...I certainly hope it's NOT for the Championship, though! :roll: