CUP: Kurt Busch Officially Out At Penske

Sprint Cup

CUP: Kurt Busch Officially Out At Penske

After a tumultuous season, Kurt Busch and Roger Penske go separate ways…

Mike Hembree | Posted December 05, 2011 Charlotte, NC

Kurt Busch's propensity to lose his temper from time to time may have cost him his job at Penske Racing. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

SPEED will air a special edition of SPEED Center tonight at 6 p.m. ET, co-hosted by Adam Alexander and Steve Byrnes, to wrap up the Busch situation.

Kurt Busch’s troubled times at Penske Racing officially are over.

The NASCAR organization announced Monday morning that what it called “a mutual agreement” has ended Busch’s career at Penske, one that produced 10 Sprint Cup victories and some championship challenges but also was pockmarked by Busch’s tirades at team members and off-track controversy.

David Ragan and Sam Hornish Jr. are considered the most likely prospects to replace Busch in the high-profile Penske No. 22 Dodges. Busch’s next step is not known.

"I appreciate the victories that Kurt has brought Penske Racing and our sponsors over the past six years," said team owner Roger Penske in a statement released by the team. "While I am disappointed that Kurt will not be racing for our team in the future, both Kurt and I felt that separating at this time was best for all parties, including our team and sponsors. I wish Kurt the best in his future racing endeavors."

Busch, also quoted in the statement, said, “I am grateful to Penske Racing for six very productive years. Together we won a lot of races – 16 in all. Leaving a great organization and a lucrative contract is not easy, but it’s an important step for me and allows me to take a deep breath to work on things that can make me a better driver and a better person. I want to personally thank Roger Penske for the opportunity that he has given me."

Busch had been with Penske since the 2006 season after being booted from the Roush Fenway team. He had a year remaining on his contract at Penske.

The Penske-Busch breakup follows a controversial stretch leading to the end of the season. At Richmond in September, Busch had heavily publicized incidents with two news media members post-race, and he unleashed a string of obscenities at an ESPN reporter during the season finale at Homestead, FL.

During the season, Busch was a frequent critic of team members during team radio chatter, and crew chief Steve Addington left the team the week after the season finale. He will be crew chief for new champion Tony Stewart next year.

Busch, who said he has sought the advice of a sports psychologist, is expected to pursue another NASCAR ride for next season.

SPEED will air a special edition of SPEED Center tonight at 6 p.m. ET, co-hosted by Adam Alexander and Steve Byrnes, to wrap up the Busch situation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mike Hembree

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