For Kurt Busch, the ‘antagonizer’ might be a compliment. For other drivers in NASCAR it might be too soft a description. Upon entering NASCAR’s big show in 2000, and finishing second for Rookie of the Year, Busch has done everything except go silently into the night.
Kurt Busch has a history of attitude issues with NASCAR on and off the track. His career has almost been soap opera like with fans often wondering who he is going to tick off this week. Most times, it would be other drivers, then NASCAR and the law.
His first feud of note was with veteran driver Jimmie Spenser. It started in 2002 and carried for a couple of years with Busch called Spenser a decrepit old man during an interview. Spenser paid him back in Michigan the following season punching Busch in the face, breaking his nose. Busch would go one to have not only have on-track feuds with drivers, including his younger brother Kyle, but also would be involved off track altercations with drivers and crew members. One such altercation cost him a $50 thousand dollar fine and one race suspension.
His first brush with the law came in 2005. He was arrested by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department in Arizona for Reckless Driving; an officer clocked Busch going 152 miles per hour. His employer, Jack Roush Racing, fired him with two races left in the season.
Busch’s racing capabilities almost make you want to overlook some of his attitude issues. Tony Stewart hired him for Stewart-Haas Racing in 2014 despite having been involved in several altercations with Busch. His year started out quietly but ended in controversy. Following the race at Dover, Del., Busch was investigated by law enforcement following an accusation by his ex-girlfriend Patricia Driscoll that Busch choked her and slammed her head into a wall on September 26 in his mobile home.
The 2015 season started out badly for Kurt Busch. Following a couple rough rides in the Daytona 500 pre-race events he was suspended by NASCAR indefinitely after Delaware Family Court Commissioner David Jones issued a protective order against Busch. The order prevents Busch from being within 100 feet of Driscoll except at NASCAR races or events where they must both attend. He is not allowed to purchase firearms or ammunition for at least one year and he must be evaluated for mental health problems related to anger or impulse control.
While the decision of the family court judge was used in making the decision to suspend Busch, his future rested in the hands of the Delaware Attorney General’s office and whether or not they would pursue criminal charges against Busch. In the interim, Stewart-Haas Racing brought in Regan Smith to drive the 41 car. Busch was placed on indefinite probation by Stewart-Hass and Chevy dropped their sponsorship of him.
Busch appealed his suspension to the National Motor Sports Final Appeals Officer. His petition for reinstatement was denied. Busch would have to wait until the attorney general made a decision to find out his final fate. He received word just days prior to the qualifying runs were to take place for the race at Phoenix International Raceway. There would be no criminal charges filed against Busch. Although the protection order remains in effect, NASCAR reinstated Busch immediately.
“The elimination of the possibility of criminal charges removed a significant impediment to Kurt Busch’s return to full status as a NASCAR member,” NASCAR executive vice president Steve O’Donnell said. “We therefore have decided to move him to indefinite probation and waive the Chase requirement.”
Busch is said to have complied with all requirements set by NASCAR leading up to their decision and it was recommended by an outside mental health professional that Busch be reinstated. However, he remains on indefinite probation with NASCAR.
Showing his resiliency, Busch qualified in the eighth position for the CampingWorld.com 500 at PIR. In a live interview with Fox Sports Chris Meyers, Busch had this to say, “Domestic violence is a serious issue,” Busch told Myers. “The next step is the worst problem with that is when you’re falsely accused of it. It hurts the real victims. That’s what I have to say to that.” He then got into his number 41 car and finished fifth while claiming to be a little nervous getting back onto the track.