NASCAR Driver of the Year
Jeff Burton visited the Phoenix International Raceway media center and revelaed his pick for the best NASCAR Driver of the Year.

Burton said that Kyle Busch deserves the honor of Driver of the Year based on the stellar season he's put together in all three of NASCAR's top divisions.

Busch, who is currently 10th in the Sprint Cup standings, has won a combined 21 races in the Cup, Nationwide and Craftsman Truck Series in 2008 and still has opportunity for more.

He just tied Sam Ard's 1983 Nationwide series record for wins in a season at Texas with his 10th victory.

"Ultimately I think Kyle has done a remarkable job this year even though they are not going to win a championship," Burton said. "He walked into a new situation. A situation that hadn't really hadn't had any success for a while.

"Everything he has sat in this year has run fast."

This has been Busch best season by far since joining the Cup Series full-time in 2005. Heading into Phoenix he has already set series personal bests in wins (8), top fives (17), poles (2) and laps led (1,673).

I'm going to have to agree with Burton on this one and select Kyle Busch as the NASCAR Driver of the Year.

Do you agree? If not, post your selection below.
Posted: 11/7/2008 2:34:57 PM
Comments:
Good Blog Jwack.
Posted On: 12/3/2008 1:09:13 PM
Carls the Biggest Punk out there.But dont worry...he's gonna get his soon.And JermsJoint,your lost.With your attitude dont EVER come around Our Shorttracks.
Posted On: 12/3/2008 1:08:16 PM
Rowdy should win Hands Down!!
Posted On: 11/30/2008 8:43:56 PM
i guess my thought is that being the driver of the year is not a popularity contest. no one likes kyle busch - that's obvious. but to win TWENTY-ONE races in a year?? that's pretty awesome. and in some ways i think kyle's behavior has actually helped the sport... i think every sport needs a villain - and kyle has definitely fit that role this year. i think it has actually been fun not liking him. however, just because he isn't popular among fans, doesn't make him a bad driver and it doesn't mean he isn't deserving of this award.

i find i have to agree with burton - based on the stats - kyle busch deserves the 2008 driver of the year award.
Posted On: 11/13/2008 11:22:36 AM
You know what, why should he? Everywhere he goes people boo him, every time his name gets mentioned on a blog, people flood the comments with how much they hate him, and you know what, it's never going to change for him. You talk about Kurt Busch being humbled (I totally agree), but what has that changed? He still gets booed everywhere, gets called a fraud champion and anything you read about him on a blog is loaded with negativity, it hasn't done him any favors. I've been a Jeff Gordon fan since 1993, after watching the total across the board disrespect he's received from the Nascar community (People cheer when he wrecks, he gets beer bottles thrown at his car, Gets booed when they announce his driver introductions, when I saw him on trackside live in Martinsville the crowd chanted profanity at him) and he's always risen above it, never reacting. Hasn't helped his popularity with the fans a bit. If I were Jeff after every win I'd get up on the stage, thank my fans, team and sponsors, then give the finger to the crowd and say F*ck you, I just won another race, how about it? As far as I'm concerned Kyle should do the same thing. The fact that everyone hates him so much has made me like him more. Everyone loves to cheer Carl Edwards a guy who physically threatens his team mates on camera and threatens to bloody Tony Stewart in the parking lot, yeah there's a true champion for you.
Posted On: 11/12/2008 2:47:47 PM
jerms, I couldn't agree with you more. We have Tivo and every time Busch is interviewed or they do some kind of piece on him, we fast forward. It's a shame that someone who has done as well as he has to act like such a jerk. His brother has been humbled. I'm waiting for the same thing to happen to Kyle (I dont' even like to say his name! LOL)
Posted On: 11/10/2008 8:44:30 AM
Forgive me for my poor editing, the line should read "drivers aren't out to make FRIENDS".
Posted On: 11/7/2008 4:12:23 PM
With any other driver, I would whole-heartedly agree that a performance such as the one Kyle Busch has put up this year, would be deserving of this award. However, I think with winning, there should be a humbling element, some finesse and graciousness involved. Kyle reminds me of what would happen if some one peeved off the Keebler Elf, Kyle Busch would be the result. He's not only a poor loser, but a poor winner. I realize that drivers aren't out to make fans, but they need to keep fan base in mind. Kyle's abrasive attitude towards other drivers and media outlets isn't going to win him respect among his racing peers and fans...and let's face it, fans, in the end, create paychecks. With no one in the seats, sponsors won't committ. Once he learns how to win with his persona as well as his driving skills, only then will he become a well-rounded driver.
Posted On: 11/7/2008 4:10:03 PM

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