Penske Racing fires Kurt Busch

[Jared East]

I have seen this any other place. If its true its huge news, I hope Hornish will get to replace him.

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 and ThatsRacin.com on Sunday night.

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

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 race 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 reckless 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 presumably 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: Penske Racing fires Kurt Busch | www.thatsracin.com

Penske Racing fires Kurt Busch | www.thatsracin.com

[Lee Roy]

WOW!!!!!

Hopefully this will be a wakeup (or maybe a "grow-up") call for Kurt.

[Sparky1329]

I'd like to know what his little brother is thinking right now. As for Kurt, he got what he earned. Maybe he'll luck out and get a start and park ride.

[00steven]

I'll believe it when I see it. Kurt is a champion.

[Lee Roy]

Kurt may be petulant and childish, as well as rude and socially unacceptable, but the guy can flat drive a race car. Penske may get a more polished driver, but he'd better be prepared to run mid-pack with the 22 next year.

[slorydn1]

We maybe reacting to nothing right now. It still hasn't been confirmed yet

Penske officals are reportedly meeting today to discuss this very issue.

Still, as is usual with these deals, where there is smoke, there is fire.

Speaking of Smoke, who was the Champion the last time Kurt Busch got canned? mokin:

[djparky]

just confirmed at Autosport- Busch has been dropped by Penske

[I am evil Homer]

I'll believe it when I see it. Kurt is a champion.

Get ready to believe then: Penske parts company with Kurt Busch - NASCAR news - AUTOSPORT.com

[DanicaFan]

It's about time. Kurt's attitude this past season was horrible. Roger could only take so much of it.

David Ragan will replace Kurt in the #22 next season.

[00steven]

Wow.