Sprint Cup N's & Q's: Pocono 500

Consider the Pocono edition of 'Sprint Cup Notes & Quotes' to be a friend of custom-painted Gibson guitars.

Artist "stunned" about smash

As you could have guessed would happen, motorsports artist Sam Bass backtracked on his post-Kyle Busch trophy guitar smash comments at Nashville Superspeedway in an interview with Scene Daily.

Bass designed the paint job on the Gibson Les Paul guitar, only to see Busch whack it against the concrete numerous times in what amounts to a poor way to honor his team members.

The artist used words like "heartbroken" and "stunned" to describe his feelings as he watched Busch splinter the trophy. It's a read that makes you feel terrible for Bass and more than a little miffed at Busch.

"Owner-driver win" might be a little too much

Tony Stewart's win on Sunday was the first time an "owner-driver", according to NASCAR, won a Sprint Cup Series race since Ricky Rudd did it some 11 years ago.

I say the comparison is more apples to oranges than anything and not entirely accurate. Why? Think about it: Rudd started his team from the ground up and did nearly everything on his No. 10 Tide Fords in-house.

Stewart, on the other hand, had half of a previously-established team handed to him, and is competing with both engines and chassis from Hendrick Motorsports. In the age of the Car of Tomorrow platform, the legwork for competitive equipment has taken quite a few strides before a piece even enters the Stewart-Haas Racing shop.

It's pretty obvious now why he wasn't worried about failing as a new car owner last season. Being a satellite team of Hendrick Motorsports will do that.

Did You See That in NASCAR?

Kyle Busch injected some rock star attitude into NASCAR after winning the Federated Auto Parts 300 Nationwide Series race on Saturday. Busch slammed the Gibson Les Paul guitar trophy on the Victory Lane concrete until pieces flew off. Click through to see more of Busch's smashing act along with other stunning photos from NASCAR action.

Donn Jones, AP

Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 NOS Energy Drink Toyota, celebrates by smashing the Gibson guitar given to the winner after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series Federated Auto Parts 300 at the Nashville Superspeedway on June 6, 2009 in Gladeville, Tenn.

Chris Graythen, Getty Images

Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 NOS Energy Drink Toyota, poses for a photo with artist Sam Bass after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series Federated Auto Parts 300 at the Nashville Superspeedway on June 6, 2009 in Gladeville, Tenn.

Chris Graythen, Getty Images

Kyle Busch holds the guitar trophy over his head after winning the NASCAR Federated Auto Parts 300 Nationwide Series auto race in Gladeville, Tenn., on Saturday, June 6, 2009.

Donn Jones, AP

Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 NOS Energy Drink Toyota, celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series Federated Auto Parts 300 at the Nashville Superspeedway on June 6, 2009 in Gladeville, Tenn.

Chris Graythen, Getty Images

Mike Skinner, driver of the #5 Rue Ziffra, PA Attorney at Law Toyota, flies into the air on the hood of T.J. Bell, driver of the #11 VisitPIT.com/Red Horse Racing Toyota, during the NASCAR Camping World Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200 on May 15, 2009 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina.

Geoff Burke, NASCAR / Getty Images

The #15 Pilot Travel Centers Toyota, driven by Michael Annett, catches fire during the NASCAR Nationwide Series CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 on May 23, 2009 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina.

Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

Michael Waltrip's car catches fire as his engine blows in turn three during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Southern 500 auto race at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, S.C., Saturday, May 9, 2009.

Richard Shiro, AP

Carl Edwards (99) goes airborne after crashing with Ryan Newman, rear, and Brad Keselowski on the final lap of the Aaron's 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala., on Sunday, April 26, 2009. Keselowski won the race.

Glenn Smith, AP

Mark Martin, driver of the #5 Carquest/Kellogg's Chevrolet, and Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 Dupont/Pepsi Chevrolet, come to a rest after a multi-car incident during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2009 in Talladega, Alabama.

John Harrelson, Getty Images

Ambrose's first Pocono trip a Top-10

Australian Marcos Ambrose is proving week-in and week-out that he's as good of a raw talent as they come in racing. Sunday, he finished 6th during his first trip the triangle that is Pocono Raceway.

Ambrose has heard folks describe Pocono as a road course, but he couldn't disagree more.

"It's got nothing to do with road courses. This place is insane how hard it is -- like no place I've ever been in my life," said Ambrose. "I've got to work on my elbow strength, because my elbows are worn out. I've been working them all day. So it's a tough place and I think it's one of my favorite tracks I've ever been to. It's really tough to get around."

Kenseth's post-race short and sweet

The fuel mileage didn't work out for Roush-Fenway Racing's Matt Kenseth, and he made sure to go in-depth about it.

"We ran third all day and finished 16th," said Kenseth. "I don't know what else to say about it."

Me neither, Matt.

So who had Reutimann in their Chase pool?

I would have liked to seen some preseason odds on David Reutimann's likelihood to earn a spot in the 2009 Chase for the Sprint Cup. After Sunday's 500-miler, Reutimann worked the fuel-mileage game with the guidance of crew chief Rodney Childers and wound up with a third-place finish -- marking his second Top-5 in three weeks.

Reutimann is now 11th in the Chase standings, some 23 points ahead of the 13th-place Mark Martin who is currently sitting just outside the lock-in.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

6-09-2009 @ 9:21AM

Kim said...

Lots of interesting stuff on here, Geoffrey.

First, with the Kyle Busch incident, I am not sure I agree with you. I really think it was all in good fun and for the artist to back pedal on his initial comments now just seems a little skeezy to me. I don't feel sorry for him one bit. He was paid plenty. His original comments were, "I thought it was wonderful. I wondered why it has never been done before. Rock stars do it all the time and Kyle proved tonight that he isn't only a race car driver, he appreciates rock and roll, too." That might not be dead on his exact words, but it was something to that effect. Kyle bought two or three more guitars from the guy and is auctioning one that is autographed off to charity. I think this story is much ado about nothing and frankly is just more "Kyle Bashing."

As for Kenseth.....I just can't seem to like the guy no matter how hard I try. He always seems to have a pissy look on his face. I don't think I have ever seen him smile. Feel bad for him? Nope!

Marcus Ambrose has impressed me greatly this year as well. In fact, Geoffrey.....where's my Marcus Ambrose story? :-)

So the drivers like Pocono? Really???? Because as a fan, I truly believe it is the most boring track on the circuit. I can't stand watching it. There is little to no competetive racing IMO. The leaders get way too far out front from the others. The hailed decision for double file restarts that the fans and drivers couldn't wait for, only happened once or twice. BORING!

As for David R. I wish I had had him in my pool to be in the top 12. I did however have him in my pool for a top five finish at Pocono, so I am still happy. I like David R. and had no doubt that he had the talent and would eventually have a break-out year. It appears this is his year. Good for him!

Kim

6-09-2009 @ 9:26AM

bikesaway2 said...

NASCAS has one less fan. It's bad enough to watch JR. cry every day,poor spoiled baby, that he is; But now Kyle Bush did the worse thing that he could have done. How disrepectful these young people are. I bet that I am not the only fan dropping from your graces. NASCAR needs to fine the living hell out Bush and then get rid of the crybaby JR. Never will I watch another "poor sport" NASCAR race. Goodbye.

6-09-2009 @ 9:42AM

RJ said...

As for the above stories, 1)On kyle Bush I agree with the comment made by Jimmy Spenser. This was a stupid stunt pulled by Busch, there are a lot of drivers who have never gotten a trophy and for "SHRUB" to destroy one is a sad statement of the sad state of racing nowdays.
2) Stewart has started out his team ownership with the silver spoon in his mouth, how can you lose with a Hendricks motor and chassis.
3)Way to go Marcus, I'd love to see this guy win one soon.(even if he is driving a Toyota)
4) I've seen Matt win the gas wars, not this time.
5) Sure do like what I'm seeing with David Reutimann. I worked on Northeast Modifieds back in the 70's and we raced against his father Buzzie. All I can say is damn that man could drive. Glad to see there is one son as good as the Dad. Good luck David!

6-09-2009 @ 9:59AM

particentral said...

Kyle DID say he orderd two more, one for himself and one for the car owner, and that he did it to give each of his team a piece of the trophy. THAT made me feel better about the whole thing. He even said he was going to take the band saw to it to cut it up into enough pieces to give everyone on the team a piece. THAT gets glossed over and not reported on.....

6-09-2009 @ 10:13AM

Dave said...

More and more of us are leaving NASCAR because of jerks like Kyle who shows no respect for anyone or anything but himself and Kyle doesn't care what the fan base thinks and it is obvious that NASCAR doesn't care either.

6-09-2009 @ 10:18AM

Terri said...

I knew Tony would succeed being a new owner/driver - he has won at everything else he has done. He is a very talented driver and the ones saying he has a silver spoon in his mouth is wrong. He had to pick the right people to help in his garage - looks like he has done that.
Read Tonys book from a few years ago and you will see that he never started with a silver spoon in his mouth - he had natural talent from the beginning - his parents saw that and pursued it with him. Way to go Tony -:) Jr is the one with a so called silver spoon in his mouth and look where he is??
Terri

6-09-2009 @ 10:22AM

jrimer87 said...

1) What Kyle should have done is take some of his money and ask Sam Bass to make one for each crew member and he keep the trophy
2) Let's give Smoke some credit here. Yeah he gets his engines and chasis's from Hendrick motorsports, but look at JR he has everything that is Rick Hendrick and he cant get the job done. Smoke surrounded himself with talented people that know what to do with those engines to give him a winning car.

6-09-2009 @ 10:53AM

carwashman9 said...

smoke you are the next best thing to dale sr. I did not like tony at first because of his att.but all people grow up.bush will some day he can drive a car can't take that away from him!!

6-09-2009 @ 11:02AM

duckinnut said...

PUNK!

6-09-2009 @ 11:22AM

Danielle said...

Kyle Busch is a becoming more and more of a punk. It's a shame he's a good driver. I can't believe that he smashed a trophy that he WON. Kyle's a dork... he could never look cool.

I think it's great for both Marcus and both David that they have both been running so well this season... KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GUYS.

Jimmy Jackass and Matt just ran out of gas... tooooooo baaadddddd!!!!!!!!

6-09-2009 @ 11:41AM

gregsachiko said...

I agree with Kim's post above about Kyle's guitar bashing. Many people don't like him to begin with because he is butt ugly, acts like a spoiled baby but he does win! I still cannot believe that a beautiful girl would want to be with him...Oh wait ,,yes I do for the $$$$$$$$$$$ and some exposure before she moves on to the next star.

Everyone is different people, just because they are not what you would do does NOT give you the right to judge.
If that #3 (I forgot his name) would have done the same thing everyone would have loved it.

Double standards everyone is playing with

Greg

6-09-2009 @ 5:20PM

Muttley said...

I wish the fans would stop bashing Kyle, it was his trophy, his crew knew what he was going to do with it, maybe some of you are too old for Nascar these days. His trophy..he could shove it up his ass side ways if he wanted to....Haters...

6-09-2009 @ 4:28PM

CJ said...

As Nashville Superspeedway is right down the road from me, it is what i consider the home track, and to me it was disgusting and offensive, i dont care if it was his trophy he'd just won. He has no respect for anything of the sport and i think he'd find it offensive if someone was to take a piss on the infield of Las Vegas Speedway, and see how many of these fans would understand and be refreshed by that! I have to say, Kurt and Kyle's parents did a piss-poor job of raising their kids with values, that's pretty apparent.
Also, im not too happy with Sam Bass's reponse either. He didnt really have a problem when asked about it on Sunday, but once it came out that many fans had a problem with it he changes his tune, and to me that's a hypocrite and i dont have any use for people like that.
Bottom line is Kyle Busch is an idiot, not a rock star. I understand wanting personality, but there is a way to do that with respect and class, something apparently Kyle Busch lacks and without that will never live up to a champion reputation and will never achieve one either.

6-09-2009 @ 4:50PM

rosseddie said...

UGLY BRAT,,,,NO CLASS,,,PIECE OF POOPOO......OUGHT TO BE FINED, SUSPENDED & LET ME SMACK HIM WITH THE GUITAR !!!!!

6-10-2009 @ 12:18AM

guest said...

I consider myself one of Kyle Bushes biggest fans!! I have the pajamas, the flags, the #18 on my truck, the coffee mugs, the life sized cut-out of kyle I take to all nascar parties! I always, always, defend him arguing with everyone with accurate statistics of course,"that's just his personality", he's the best driver, he only tells the truth, etc......I haven't missed a race in years either. I CAN'T BELIEVE I AM GOING TO SAY THIS, But what he did to that guitar was,well , I don't know what to say other than, I am soooo turned off right now by that scene I am not going to watch nascar at all this weekend!! OK, at first I made the excuse for him, "that's what all rock stars do!!" But you know what, they(Real Rock stars)have back-up guitars back stage!! Kyle is not a rock star!!!, he is a race car driver!! so there went that theory! The "give it to my crew" is lame! there is at least 20 + crew members, and you think a piece of friggin splintered wood is going to memorable!! I dont think so!! Sorry , I don't care how much money you have, or how many races you win, that really SUCKED!!!! If I was Sam , I not only would make him 2 more, I would tell him to stick the remainder up his a#$! I CAN'T BELIEVE I JUST SAID THAT!!! I AM PISSED~! THAT REALLY SUCKED!!

6-11-2009 @ 2:54AM

Real Racing Needed said...

Kyle won it, it's his to do as he feels. The media needs to report what happens and quit manipulating the story. So what did Sam Bass say the first time? The second, third and fourth time you guys talked to him. Did you bother to ask if he prefers the guitar to sit in some room gathering dust?
Kensenth needs to look at the entire Rousch organization, they are all screwed up.
Stewart knew exactly what he was doing. He knew that both he and Ryan can drive. So get Hendrick chassis, engines, all notes and information they have and use their especialized equipment. It's just two more Hendrick teams. Instead of how did he do it? It's how could he not do it?