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NASCAR Sprint-Cup Series
CUP: Kurt Busch Looking At 2011 And Beyond
Kurt Busch wants to stay at Penske Racing for awhile longer...
Bob Pockrass  | http://www.scenedaily.com  |  Posted January 19, 2010   Concord, NC
Kurt Busch is worried about Dover. (Photo: LAT Photographic)
Penske Racing owner Roger Penske has picked up the option on Kurt Busch’s contract for 2011, but the organization and driver haven’t finalized the financial details, meaning Busch isn’t totally off the free-agent market. But he says that he is pointed toward returning to the team next season.
Kurt Busch (Left) signed with Roger Penske (Right) at Penske Racing in 2006. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

“All we have to do is work out the finances and hopefully we’ll be all right,” Penske said during the Charlotte Motor Speedway media tour on Monday. “It’s just a matter of negotiating the most important part.”

In those negotiations, Busch said he would be interested in a longer-term deal. Busch was fourth in points last year in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series and he made the Chase For The Sprint Cup for the second time in his four seasons at Penske.

“I get to talk to Roger as well about turning it into a longer-term deal,” said Busch, the 2004 Cup series champion. “This year has a lot of weight on it [from] not just performance, how the whole team has come together with all the changes we made with engineering staff and [crew chief Steve] Addington coming aboard.

“I like where I am. I like the way everything is going, and the way the contract was written, it’s a two-way street for both of us. That’s the best way to do business.”

Busch indicated that the financial details were not a big hurdle in the last contract when he moved from Roush Fenway Racing following the 2005 season.

“I’ll know what parameters I need to stay within, he’ll know what parameters he needs to stay within,” Busch said. “Ultimately, we want to make this … team successful and we have to do it within the limitations of our sponsorships.”

The free-agent class following the 2010 season is considered fairly stout with Kasey Kahne and Kevin Harvick among those who need to re-sign after this year.

“I’m a long-term type of guy,” Busch said. “When I saw different things changing at Roush Racing – or case in point, nothing changing due to the success that I had – I felt the urge to call Roger. … This is where I’d love to be. Obviously, success is where you want to go.”

Still, Busch could listen to other offers if things go sour this season.

“The money can still be negotiated for 2011,” Busch said. “[My contract] creates an environment for me to explore other options. I’m never going to back myself into a corner. I’ve got to understand what’s out there.

“All of it will be done in a fashion where Roger and I are on the same page and we will do it very respectfully. If I’ve learned anything in my stint over here – and I hope it leads into the future as well – is that business and doing it properly with a code of ethics is high on my list.”

SceneDaily.com•Working and racing help grieving process for Stewart-Haas Racing’s Bobby Hutchens


Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale: Jan 19th-24th
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Bob Pockrass

SceneDaily.com

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