Kyle Busch signs Kurt for Nationwide team
Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012
MOORESVILLE, N.C. – They could be NASCAR’s most powerful tandem.
They could also be its most controversial.
Brothers Kyle and Kurt Busch are no strangers to success on the track, and they don't shy away from their fair share of controversy, both on the track and off.
This season, to win races in the Nationwide Series, competitors are going to have to deal with one or the other – and occasionally both – in all 33 races.
The last time the brothers worked together on the same team was in Legends car racing more than a decade ago. This season, they will take turns in the No. 54 Toyota in the Nationwide Series fielded by Kyle Busch Motorsports.
“This is a neat opportunity family wise,” said Kyle. Thursday’s announcement at KBM featured exhibition runs by several of sponsor Monster Energy Drink’s top BMX and motocross drivers.
“It’s going to be fun. We’ve had a lot of talks about this deal and what we’re each looking to get out of it. We want to bring some trophies here to KBM and put up some win banners.”
Kyle will run about 13 of the races this season, leaving the remaining 20 for brother Kurt. Kurt will also drive several series events for Phoenix Racing.
Kurt didn’t rule out perhaps running all of the series races in some fashion.
“I figured out Kyle was the winningest Nationwide driver ever, so the only way to beat him is to not have him on the track,” said Kurt.
“So, I figured out the right deal, taking the races where Kyle Busch isn’t on the track.”
Kyle Busch holds the record of most series victories (51), including eight last season. Kurt’s series experience is much less, but still productive. He has three wins in 12 series starts.
NASCAR veteran Mike Beam will serve as crew chief for the team.
“Kyle and Kurt are two of the best drivers in NASCAR,” Beam said. “To contend for the 2012 Nationwide owner’s championship and have all the elements in place that make a great team, you cannot help being excited to be a part of this.”
More racing news, blogs, photos and more at www.ThatsRacin.com.
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