“As a proud member of the racing community, Mars and the M&M’S® brand strongly support the partnership we have with Joe Gibbs Racing and are committed to NASCAR. Yet, Kyle’s recent actions are unacceptable and do not reflect the values of Mars,” said Debra A. Sandler, Chief Consumer Officer, Mars Chocolate North America. “While we do not condone Kyle’s recent actions, we do believe that he has shown remorse and has expressed a desire to change. We believe our decision will have a positive impact on Kyle and will help him return next season ready to win.”
M&MS will relinquish its role as primary sponsor for the final two races of the season, replaced by longtime JGR backer Interstate Batteries at Phoenix International and Homestead Miami Speedways. There had been speculation this week that Busch would not compete in the final two races of the season, and driver Aric Almirola confirmed that he was approached by JGR officials about replacing Busch at both Phoenix and Homestead.
Team owner Joe Gibbs said, ““We strongly support Mars’ decision. This gives us all time to work together to foster a positive change where Kyle can continue racing in a way we can all be proud of.”
It is unknown whether Busch will continue to drive JGR’s #18 NASCAR Nationwide Series Toyota. However, sponsor Z-Line Designs has asked the team to replace Busch with teammate Denny Hamlin in next week’s NASCAR Nationwide Series finale at Homestead Miami Speedway. Z-Line reacted negatively to last week’s Truck Series incident, saying, “We were disappointed in Kyle Busch's actions during the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race last weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. As a sponsor, it is important that those who represent our company abide by certain standards of conduct. We have expressed our concerns directly to Kyle and to Joe Gibbs Racing. We support NASCAR’s decision and support Joe Gibbs Racing as they address this issue internally."
as Buford T. Justice would say "that's an attention getter!"
ReplyDeleteNot a Kyle fan but I hope this will convince him of his need to change . He does bring a lot excitement to racing .
ReplyDeleteNot a fan, but I believe he will turn himself around. Its sad to see someone so talented let his emotions get the best of him. Theres alot of dinner tables that rely on him staying cool, calm, collected, and winning.
ReplyDeleteAnd thats all I have to say about that.
Not a PR guy but I bet JGR voluntarily pulled the plug on Mars for the last two races and either A. Gave the money back or B. Donated it to charity. Or maybe they invoice Mars race by race. Not sure but I bet there was some self administired punishment. Joe Gibbs is a class act in that fashion.
ReplyDeleteSeems odd to me there was no apology/mention to Traxxis. Maybe it was behind the scenes. They had to of spent $100-$150k plus to slap their logo on a truck that got alot of bad press the last 6 Days.
ReplyDeleteM&M's wrote"We will not compromise our values for victories." So what it comes down to is that, it is more important to them to have there car in victory lane. The ONLY thing here saving his ass , is the fact that he wins races, which means M&M's has NO morals.
ReplyDeleteKyle needs an intervention with dr. phil. he obviously has some deeply seated issues from childhood.
ReplyDeleteWow Al... Sounded like they said "We will not compromise our values for victories." Did I miss something? Did they say "Hey Kyle go out there and wreck who ever it takes to win a race"? or did they say "We will not compromise our values for victories."? I swear I saw "We will not compromise our values for victories." so I'm pretty sure they meant "We will not compromise our values for victories."
ReplyDeleteDid you read the same thing Al?
You're funny Bigmac!!!
ReplyDeleteDave , your so right, I feel like a tard! Maybe I should learn to re read what I wrote:)
ReplyDeleteJoe Gibbs did what I expected Nothing ...
ReplyDeleteM&M's knew what they were getting when they signed up with Kyle...He wins a butt load of races and they are happy.But this happens and they don't stand by him like interstate has. Now this will force Kyle to completely change his driving style and ruin the most entertaining driver the sport has. Can anyone say Ernie Irving?
ReplyDeleteI think this is a big ploy by mars. They act all upset, pull the sponsorship for a few races, pull Kyle off the web site. Scares the crap out of Joe Gibbs... Then they renegotiate and save a few Million.
Disappointed with M&Ms and now with JGR...thought coach was a man of good moral character, still believe he is...but obvious he doesn't expect same from his drivers
ReplyDeleteterribly disappointed in "coach" Gibbs and Mar's two races is really not much of a statement! If Kyle had been forced to make a check out to KHI for Hornaday's truck and had issued an apology directly to Hornaday for taking him out of Truck Championship hunt. Also not race the rest of this year then he would maybe learn his lesson, it is only a matter of time and he will be back to his OLD WAYS.
ReplyDeleteSHAME on Joe Gibbs! He did not do Kyle any favors here, he did himself one. Mr. religous is a greedy businessman. Keeping Kyle out of these last 2 races is a small price to pay in the big picture. Joe CLEARY condones Kyle's behavior as long as it's profitable! The next time Joe says put GOD first; he REALLY means put your CHECKBOOK first!
ReplyDeleteAl should read the line he quoted and understand it before bashing it. "M&m's said they will NOT compromise their values for victories..." Al...that means that winning isn't the most important thing. Opinion in front of intellect...isn't that kinda what kyle did? JUST SAYIN'
ReplyDeleteIm over it @badream
ReplyDeleteFirst, listen to the interview yesterday on ESPN with Ron Hornaday. Kyle called him Saturday morning to apologize, and Ron said they talked it out. Ron is a class act and said it took plenty of guts for Kyle to call him so soon, and he respected that.
ReplyDeleteSecond, to those people wanting Kyle to be sat for two more races (in addition to the two races he has already missed), where is the precedent for that? When Carl intentionally wrecked Brad K. (twice!) in 2010, he was parked by NASCAR and his sponsor for ...... oh, that's right, for zero races.
Third, JGR probably lost money on this deal, as I'm sure they gave money back to M&Ms for having them off the car. If it was all about the money, I'm fairly certain it would have been better for JGR to put Almirola in the car and keep M&Ms on it.
NASCAR's "have at it, boys" was a disaster from the start, since there were no guidelines given, and when it goes south, people go nuts. When Vickers purposely wrecked Kenseth in Martinsville two weeks ago, and when Harvick intentionally wrecked Logano at Pocono last year, etc, nothing happened. Now Kyle crosses a line, and he deserves unprecedented suspension?
Love the way people get on here and bash Joe Gibbs and don't even have the courage to put their name on their comments. Perhaps they should question their own morals before questioning someone. Not putting your name to a comment says a lot about your character.
ReplyDeleteJoe Gibbs did exactly what I expected from him.
ReplyDeleteJohn from Michigan.
hopefully now we can just get back to racing and put our attention where it should be. does anyone realize there's a hell of a good battle for the cup going on?
ReplyDeleteUntil Kyle wants to change he won't change. Nothing JGR does, says or threatens won't make a difference unless one of his 2 year temper traumas kills someone!!!
ReplyDeleteI am not a Kyle fan; however, I feel that he has been punished by NASCAR and yes if Mars/Gibbs wants to internally fine him fine. I guarantee Kyle sitting on that pit box watching his car finish 33rd was the worst day of his whole life and that is therapy. The thing I don't understand is why would Mars remove themselves for the last two races when they will be back in 2012? Makes absolutely no sense and they are hurting themselves because you know all eyes will be on that 18 car Sunday.
ReplyDelete