08/10/2005 10:04 PM -0400
Nextel Cup Champion Kurt Busch, driver of the #97 Sharpie/Irwin Ford,
announced his desire to terminate his contract with Rousch Racing at the
conclusion of the 2005 season today. Matt Kenseth, driver of the #17 DeWalt
Tools Ford and the 2003 Nextel Cup Champion, has voiced his ennui with
Rousch Racing as well. During the well published interview he also alluded
to a lack of communication between Rousch and Greg Biffle, driver of the #16
National Guard/Subway Ford and a previous Craftsman Truck and Busch Series
Champ.
While Greg Biffle currently sits second in the Nextel Cup Points standings,
he is undoubtedly the single Rousch driver with the least to complain about.
You would think that all would be happy in the Kenseth and Kurt Busch
garages as well.
So, what is happening? Doesn’t winning make everybody happy? Why would
anyone be grumbling? Why would anyone want to leave? Is it the almighty
dollar? Doubtful. As Champions, all these drivers are eligible for extra $$
everytime they qualify for a race. That doesn’t include the immense bonuses
that the ecstatic sponsors dole out when their driver takes home the Cup.
So, if it’s not success. It’s not money. What? What’s left is happiness.
Mark Martin (#6 Viagara Ford) drove for (need stat) years for Rousch Racing.
At the same time he never won the Cup. He did win a Busch Champion trophy,
but it’s no secret that that accomplishment did little to satisfy Mark’s
wish for the ultimate win. But he did stay with Rousch. You would have to
admit that he was happy. So, Rousch is capable of creating a lasting and
rewarding relationship with a driver.
So…what? It is certainly nothing that anybody is willing to say out loud.
But nothing good can be construed by the never ending stream of
announcements over the past month. Something is very wrong in that House.
The very best drivers of the sport are looking to find other situations in
teams that have not seen the same kind of success that they’ve enjoyed at
Rousch Racing. But then again, winning isn’t everything.
This page under construction!
Improvements
coming soon!
This page under construction!
Improvements
coming soon!
bravenet.com
