What ever happened to?

Question

To Kurt Busch?

I mean I know he made the chase last year but he hasn't been like he was at Roush getting 3-4 wins a year and making the chase every time and being a contender almost every race.

Why isn't he as competitive as he once was??

Answer 1

Penske has not quite got a handle on these COT's. Ryan, Kurt & Sam have all made comments on how bad the COT's handle. The cars always seem to be either way too tight or wicked loose. Just a couple of weeks ago all 3 guys were fighting loose cars & all 3 ended up either fishtailing badly or spinning out on the same corner on the track. They need to do better on R & D or Kurt will be looking for a new ride when his contract is up too.

Answer 2

I think the main problem is Penske.  Outside of some success by Ryan Newman, Penske has never been strong in NASCAR.  And I believe Dodge struggles all around in NASCAR.

Answer 3

Because now he's with Penske.  

Answer 4

Kurt's problem is he wanted to be the center of attention. He gave up a fast ride in order to drive a popular car (the Miller car). That was the mistake of his career.

Answer 5

He's not performing well because Dodge and Penske currently suck (no offense). They better bring there A game next year if they expect Kurt Busch to stick around.  

Answer 6

penske and/or dodge. there aren't that many competitive dodges out there to begin with, and penske can't seem to figure out how to get any of them to turn. that's why ryan newman is saying goodbye, and why kurt is doing so badly. he's a much better driver than this, but dodge, and in particular penske's dodge COT program just is nowhere near where the big boys are. he pulled out a decent finish last year because they had the old car to work with much of the time, but their COT program is terrible.

ps. yes, he has great records on many of the tracks - he owned bristol for a while, and has always been good on restrictor-plate tracks, but many of his great stats are from his roush days, with some good results with penske, but mainly with the old car.

Answer 7

it penske, they are slipping, i mean hey, that is why ryan newman is leaving

Answer 8

All the dodge boys seem to be having a rotten year. With a few exceptions like Kahne. Seems like they haven't gotten the car of tommorow figured out yet. They had a little something brewing until Nascar outlawed the "Crab-Car" setup.

Answer 9

It's mostly just this season, he had two wins and finished 7th in points last year, so he was a contender.

This year, well.......let's just say, if it weren't for bad luck, that boy would have no luck AT ALL!!

*with the exception of his one win*

It's too bad really, he's a much better driver than his current statistics would lead you to believe, also Penske equipment seems to be pretty sub-par these days, I think the Captain's putting more $$ into his IRL team, and his NASCAR team is suffering because of it.

Answer 10

Kurt Busch is a much better driver than his stats this yr.. I'm sure he will be back next yr in a Penske car..But he is a kinda driver that can just all of a sudden perk up and get that win. I know Superdave is hoping for that to happen, I do not think he's gonna make the chase but, he could pull off another win.. Also he is under shadowed by his brother Kyle this yr.. Kurt will be back, don't worry #2 fans.

Go Dale Jr & Hms

Answer 11

I feel sorry for him every weekend he had to climb into that Miller Lite car. I thought it was Penske, and maybe it is, though Kahne had a small, good streak. If things don't improve, I hope he leaves at the end of 2009.

Answer 12

Kurt is one of my drivers too and i think on the most part, faulty equipment, and just plain BAD LUCK, this certainly has not been a stellar year for him, best of luck to him next year, would to see him back in the the Chase..he seems to always get raw end of the deal!