Kyle Busch: A True Champion?
During the 2008 season, Kyle Busch won a cup race on every type of race track. Not only did he win on each race track type, but he dominated at each. Kyle swept the cup road course races. Kyle won at the fast tracks such as Atlanta, Daytona and Talladega. Kyle also won on the smaller tracks such as Dover and mid size tracks such as Chicago. Kyle’s domination in the cup series is incredibly impressive, but on top of that Kyle has shown domination of the other two NASCAR series as well. Solely based on the number of laps lead, qualifying positions held, and races won in all three NASCAR series, Kyle Busch appears to be a champion. But is that all it takes to be considered a champion?
Despite Kyle’s success on the track, the race fans and drivers do not seem to be falling for him. Even the broadcasters have difficulty speaking highly of the 23 year old. Can any driver be a true champion without the respect of the NASCAR community? I believe the answer is no. I think the NASCAR community considers Dale Earnhardt a champion. Earnhardt definitely showed equal if not more talent than Kyle Busch, but there is one other thing Dale Earnhardt possessed that makes him a true champion and that is respect. Memories of Dale Earnhardt the Intimidator may be coming to many of your minds. NASCAR fans either love him or hate him.
This love or hate relationship is what I believe distinguishes Dale Earnhardt from Kyle Busch. Most of the NASCAR community dislikes Kyle Busch, but Dale Earnhardt had respect for the other 42 drivers on the race track. He did not just drive to win pushing anyone out of his way and talking poorly of his team and fellow drivers. Kyle Busch, I believe, lacks this respect for others in the NASCAR community. This is not only evident on the race track, but off the track as well. Kyle’s interviews pretty much follow two formats. This first format applies when the race goes well and Kyle speaks of how the race went and what he did to win. The second format applies when the race does not goes so well and Kyle speaks of what the other drivers did incorrectly or the mistakes of his own team. This is not a way to gain respect. In order for Kyle Busch to be considered a true champion he must earn the respect of the NASCAR community. He should begin with simply showing them some respect.
