Kurt Busch Hired ?

[Uncle Bill]

Report: Richard Petty Motorsports looking to sign Kurt Busch

Kurt Busch may not be without a NASCAR Sprint Cup ride for long.

The mercurial driver, who split last week with Penske Racing in the aftermath of a tirade with ESPN reporter Jerry Punch, is being considered by Richard Petty Motorsports to replace A.J. Allmendinger as driver of the No. 43 Ford, according to Sirius XM Radio.

Robbie Loomis, chief operating officer at RPM, told Sirius XM's Dave Moody that discussions have been held about whether to bring Busch on board with the team.

"I would mortgage my house to make Kurt a part of this team," Loomis told Sirius XM. "We value what he has done on the racetrack. He has won a (Sprint Cup) championship (in 2004) and worked for a first-class operation like Penske Racing. Guys like that don't come along every day."

Allmendinger had a solid season for RPM, finishing 15th in points, but the Sirius XM report said RPM was seriously looking at Busch to help its efforts to retain sponsor Best Buy. The electronics retailer signed a one-year deal in January for Allmendinger's car but hadn't committed to 2012.

It wasn't clear whether RPM would remove Allmendinger from its lineup entirely or if it would make room for him in a third car.

"Best Buy has been a great partner for a long time, and A.J. Allmendinger has done a fantastic job for us," said Loomis, who won a Cup championship as crew chief for Jeff Gordon in 2001. "He's coming off his best season yet, but I can tell you there is a lot of interest on our part in having Kurt Busch in the fold. It makes sense to have Kurt with our team, if we can make it work."

Busch endured an up-and-down 2011 season. He posted two Cup victories but also revealed a separation from his wife in June and clashed with two reporters after the Sept. 10 race at Richmond International Raceway.

RPM also owns the No. 9 Ford driven by Marcos Ambrose, who was 19th in points in 2011.

[harvey lee]

Kurt could bring alot of skill and knowledge to RPM right along with some baggage.

I guess it would depend on how hard up RPM might be. Or if they can tame him down a notch.

Could be a good move for RPM though.

[&JAG]

Well, now that Dinger is in the 22 Penske and out at RPM... Where will Kurt end up? The inside word I read was Kurt has told RPM that he is not interested in the open seat. I'm guessing they want to sign him for a long term contract. If I was Busch I would be looking for no more than a two year term, so he can get in a top tier ride again over a good behavior period Another possibility is the 51 car for one year? I really believe he will run some more NHRA races and also run for little bro's new Nationwide team. He is way too proud to step down too far in a ride, that being said if he isn't on board with RPM (assiociated w/Rousch) he may sit a year out of the top series. We will all see before the new year I'd bet.

[gregg52]

Ya geeez RPM might be the best to offer a ride

i just cant imagine those 2 working together

just isnt in the cards

and then to find guys that would wanna work for the 2 of them

just isnt happening

one thing good if kurt did go the drags

3-4 secounds down the strip wouldnt give him much time to scream on the radio...lol

[rich4walleyes]

MRN is now reporting that Kurt has signed a yr deal with Phoenix Racing. Looks like RPM will still be looking for a new driver. I had also heard that Kurt told RPM that he was not interested in driving for that team.

[Sifty]

Kurt Busch will drive the No. 51 Chevrolet for Phoenix Racing in 2012.

Busch put the handshake deal together with team owner James Finch on Wednesday night.

“I went to the shop, and on the Christmas tree was a sign that read, ‘All we want from Santa is a winning driver,' ” Finch said. “We will be at the Daytona test next month and start with the Shootout.”

The decision comes just weeks after Busch left Penske Racing in a mutual parting. Upon his departure, Busch said he “wanted racing to be fun again.”

If Busch, 33, was looking to combine “fun” with racing, no owner can deliver on that promise better than Finch. Couple that with the benefit of Hendrick Motorsports cars and engines, and Busch could be the driver who puts Phoenix Racing on the map.

The 2004 Sprint Cup champion has 24 wins, including two in each of the past three years, and has qualified for six Chase for the Sprint Cups. Busch has won a race in each of the past 10 seasons.

Said Finch: “I told Kurt, ‘I won’t fire you, and you won’t quit. We’ll do whatever it takes — roll in the mud if we have to to win. I’ve worked construction all my life just so I could race and have a good time. I’ve worked with iron workers, I worked with construction workers, so working with a driver is not going to be a problem.

“As I said earlier, all we want to do is win”.

Finch has been active in Sprint Cup racing since 1990. Phoenix Racing has one victory and three top fives in 191 starts with multiple drivers. The lone win came in April 2009 at Talladega Superspeedway with Brad Keselowski behind the wheel. Nick Harrison will continue to serve as crew chief.

Landon Cassill most recently piloted the No. 51 for Finch last season. Finch finished 30th in owner points.

Busch finished 11th in the Sprint Cup standings this year. He closed on a sour note when he made an obscene hand gesture while heading to the garage because of mechanical problems. As his car was being repaired, Busch berated a television reporter, drawing a $50,000 fine.

Sifty

[gregg52]

didnt sound like the best decision to me but i didnt know Finch has hendricks support that cant hurt

will be interested to watch how long he can keep his mouth under control

i'm thinkin not to long unless there are runnin up front

i dont think he will like runing in 25th to 30th postions very long

[&JAG]

I bet he will run around 15th most days with the 51 car and when they get to short or flat tracks he will be in the mix. He has a terrible temper but is an awesome driver! I have met him a couple of times and he was open to questions and very nice (fan friendly). His brother on the other hand! What a total jerk!!

[gregg52]

not sure when was the last time he didnt make the chase

15th i think would be good for these guys ,,,,, but whho knows

theres no doubt he can drive and i think if he can keep his cool he can tell you whats wrong with a car

[&JAG]

Still hearing Busch may run for Kyle in the Nationwide Series and possibly choose to go after that title vs. the Sprint Cup with the 51 car. It will be interesting to see how this all shakes out. Also, David Ragan will be in the RPM open ride as it sounds... Happy Holidays to all

[LMITOUT]

I believe Aric Almirola is taking over the seat that 'Dinger left behind at RPM.

[gregg52]

dinger is in the 22

ragen maybe in jr's 88(nationwide)

[Sifty]

dinger is in the 22

ragen maybe in jr's 88(nationwide)

I heard Ragen will be in the 43.

Sifty

[LMITOUT]

This is the latest speculation:

Quote:

Aric Almirola is the top candidate to take over the seat of the famed #43 car with Smithfield Foods as his sponsor at Richard Petty Motorsports. Fourth in the Nationwide Series points standings in 2011, Almirola had another year left in his contract with JR Motorsports but could obtain his release, according to sources, to go to RPM. A JR Motorsports spokesman would not comment on Almirola's status with the team and an RPM spokesman did not return requests for comment. Almirola would not be able to drive for RPM, which Ford has heavily invested in, and continue to drive for the Chevy-backed JRM at the same time. The Almirola-RPM deal is not complete, sources said, but JRM already has talked to drivers about his replacement for the Nationwide Series ride. David Ragan, Reed Sorenson and Cole Whitt are among the top candidates. Air Force and Smithfield Foods are expected to sponsor races on the #43 car next year.(12-30-2011)

[Sifty]

#43 driver to be announced? UPDATE3 Almirola and sponsor? Sources say David Ragan is likely to replace A.J. Allmendinger [who went to the #22 Penske Dodge] in the #43 Richard Petty Motorsports Ford, with an announcement possible as soon as tomorrow [Friday].(Sirius Speedway)(12-23-2011)

This is from Jayski

Sifty

[LMITOUT]

I found it on Jayski as well but notice the date. It's kind of deceiving how they lay out their news stories.

[&JAG]

Yep, that's how I heard about Ragan on the 21st... It has not been as concrete as his usual information. So I will wait and see but, it looks to be between Ragan and Almirola at this point. Personally, too bad sponsers play such a big part I believe Reutty is better than both of them in a a solid car like that. I mean Ragan at Rousch was kind of a joke considering what resources he had at his hands (Jr. 2010 was worse though). Almirola is decent but, a forth in the Nationwide with Jr. Motorsports doesn't show me much. I just wish Reutty would get a shot. Not going to happen though... He had a terrible 11'.