I know you’re saying right now, “Journo, what the heck are you talking about?” Give me a minute.
After Kyle and Juan Pablo Montoya got together on lap 103 (Montoya was about to get lapped by Busch who was in the lead), Kyle gave a very snarky interview to TNT. He said:
“Yeah, I guess it was my fault. I’m going to down the straight away as straight as I can be, and I went right across the nose of the 42 for nothing else to do…Yeah, I wanted to wreck myself.”
Kyle was not a happy camper, and rightfully so. As laughably sarcastic as the interview was, I think it was a bit of a breakthrough for Kyle.
How often in the past have we seen an angry Kyle Busch refuse interviews? The answer is a lot. Seldom is there a time I can recall him getting out of a wrecked racecar and giving an interview. In fact we’ve seen Kyle get out of his racecar when he hasn’t had such a bad day and refuse interviews.
This isn’t necessarily a slam on Kyle, he’s an intense guy who isn’t happy with anything less than a win (and he doesn’t want to talk about it when he’s had a bad day). It’s this intense focus and drive that has gotten him where he is today. Still there were/are definitely times it could be toned down (especially for the benefit of his sponsors). I think Kyle is starting to realize that.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence this growth in maturity has coincided with Kyle’s new position as a team owner, and his pending nuptials. Additionally, Kyle’s PR guy Bill Janitz deserves a big pat on the back. The 2009 recipient of NASCAR’s most valuable Cup series PR rep award, Janitz is one of the best in the business – I think we all can agree anyone who can effectively handle Kyle Busch is a master at his craft.
Needless to say, these things and others are starting to ground a still very young driver. This may be a little premature, but I think we’re seeing a guy who is growing tremendously both personally and professionally. Kyle has a bright future – and with a little media savvy he can do nothing but build his brand.
I don’t know about you, but I like this guy who’s willing to do interviews. He gives great soundbites, and let’s his personality show through. And after all don’t we watch for the characters, the drama, and the emotion?
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