Kyle Busch is keeping emotions in check
He should have been celebrating. Instead he was seething. Kyle Busch had just won his second career Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway, but questions about his older brother, Kurt, getting suspended for the last two races of 2005 -- after a run-in with police -- upstaged his victory. Kyle Busch, then a 20-year-old rookie, stormed out of his postrace news conference.
Because of moments like those, Kyle Busch's career has been defined as much by his temper as his talent. Kyle Busch has had a few low points this season, but with two races left in his career at juggernaut Hendrick Motorsports, the 22-year-old Kyle Busch is showing signs of maturing.
''It's nice to hear that people do notice a difference and they have seen a change,'' said Kyle Busch, who will start 38th in Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500 after winning the Truck series race Friday and Kyle Busch race Saturday. ``I don't notice or see it. I see it through other people, I guess. I'm just trying to become more relaxed, more easy-going. [I'm] trying to figure everything out.''
Kyle Busch's Hendrick tenure could have ended in turmoil, but he said he has mended relationships with his team and teammates, and will leave on good terms. Kyle Busch will be replaced by Dale Earnhardt Jr., who has a close relationship with owner Rick Hendrick.
Kyle Busch will drive for Joe Gibbs Racing, a move that resulted from Hendrick granting Kyle Busch a release after 2007, so Earnhardt could sign.
Hendrick tried to mentor Kyle Busch, taking a proactive role in bringing the youngster along, particularly when Kyle Busch was enmeshed in controversy.
ROCKY START
In Kyle Busch's short Cup career, those moments have been aplenty. This season, Kyle Busch called out his teammates after the Pepsi 400 in July (leading to a team meeting where he eventually apologized) and left the Texas spring race after a wreck that forced his crew chief Alan Gustafson to enlist Earnhardt to take the wheel for the closing laps.
He also has a rift with brother Kurt stemming from them wrecking each other in the nonpoints Nextel All-Star Challenge in May.
Then there was his Pepsi 400 outburst, when he blamed his teammates for failing to help him, after falling inches short of victory. ''I guess the bliss is over at Hendrick Motorsports for Kyle Busch,'' he said at the time. There has been little drama since then.
Teammate Jimmie Johnson said he has been ''extremely impressed'' with Kyle Busch recently.
''I've always seen a guy that wants to be good and wants to be a champion and wants to be a race winner and loved working for Hendrick Motorsports,'' Johnson said.
``He's done a lot of growing. Unfortunately, he's done all of his growing in front a camera and national media and has made some mistakes, but we're all seeing that progress.''
Kyle Busch has four Cup victories, but only one this season, despite several dominating performances. He led late at Atlanta Motor Speedway two weeks ago before a slow pit stop spoiled a shot at victory. He led for nearly half of last Sunday's race at Texas Motor Speedway, but a slow pit stop forced him to settle for a fourth-place finish.
CHANGING APPROACH
Kyle Busch's unbridled passion hasn't disappeared, as evidenced by some profanity-laced exchanges heard over his team radio when pit stops have forced him to lose track position. His short fuse is still present, but how he deals with the aggravation has changed.
He had a chance to win the Truck, Kyle Busch Series and Cup race in Texas, but in talking about how he handled it showed a new Kyle Busch.
''It's frustrating but what are you going to do about it?'' Kyle Busch said. ``It's the way it is when the race is over. You're not going to change anything. You're not going to put yourself in Victory Lane. . . . You've just got to go out next week and try to do it right.''
Kyle Busch is fourth in the Chase but might be able to overtake third-place driver Clint Bowyer to give Hendrick a 1-2-3 sweep in the points.
It would be Kyle Busch's best finish in his career. Other drivers say it's not a matter of if Kyle Busch will win a championship, but when.
Veteran Mark Martin is awed by Kyle Busch's ability.
''Kyle Busch is the guy getting the most done with anything he climbs into of anyone in NASCAR today,'' Martin said.
As Kyle Busch's third season comes to a close, he is hoping to earn at least another victory. And perhaps not lose his temper to show he's growing up.
See more at www.miamiherald.com
