You know, maybe there's room in the multi-gazillion dollar NASCAR world for people who still treat the sport like something more than another business venture.In another poorly kept secret, Kyle Busch and Joe Gibbs Racing made it official on Tuesday, announcing that the 22-year-old Busch will join JGR next season. Busch, winner of 4 Cup races in his still-blossoming career, will drive the No. 18s (make to be determined) through 2010.
“The Nextel Cup Series is filled with good teams and good people, but the moment I saw the shop and began talking with Joe and J.D. Gibbs, there was a level of comfort that made me feel like this is where I belong," said Busch, who is currently 8th in the Cup standings and on the verge of qualifying for his 2nd Chase for the Nextel Cup.
Busch is also the 3rd young driver to find the atmosphere at JGR to his liking.
Denny Hamlin made the move to the Gibbs development program after tearing up the Late Model ranks in Virginia. Teen-ager Joey Logano of Middletown, Conn., shunned Roush Racing a couple of seasons ago to join the Gibbs army. Currently, Logano is running away with the Busch East Series title (in outdated Tony Stewart Cup cars), while testing for Stewart and planning a Busch Series debut in '08.
For confident, sometimes cocky, young stock car racers, sometimes a little "family" time is what they're looking for. Had Hendrick not booted Busch in favor of Dale Earnhardt Jr., Busch would be there again next season. Like at Hendrick, Busch will be 3rd on the depth chart behind Stewart and Hamlin.
But, unlike at Hendrick, Busch feels like he belongs at JGR. So, too, do others. Maybe car owners should take notice.
“I want to win races and championships, and Joe Gibbs Racing’s three-car/one-team philosophy gives me the best opportunity to do that," Busch said.
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