Richard Petty Motorsports Chief Operating Officer Robbie Loomis confirmed today that discussions have been held regarding Busch, saying, “Best Buy has been a great partner for a long time, and AJ Allmendinger has done a fantastic job for us. 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.
“Our main focus is to continue building on what we finished the season with last year,” said Loomis. “But right now, I feel like I’m running down two different sets of train tracks. From a personal standpoint, nothing has excited me more than when I heard Kurt had become available. I’m excited about the opportunity to add a driver like Kurt Busch to Richard Petty Motorsports.
“I would mortgage my house to make Kurt a part of this team,” said Loomis. “We value what he has done on the race track. He has won a (Sprint Cup) championship and worked for a first-class operation like Penske Racing. Guys like that don’t come along every day.”
As a former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion, Busch would almost certainly be a guaranteed starter for all 36 races next season. That Past Champion’s Provisional is of little use to the #43 team, however, which finished solidly in the Top-35 in owner’s point last season and is already locked into the first five races of the 2012 campaign.
Hope not.
ReplyDeleteperhaps kurt was the "best buy" for best buy to continue as sponsor of the 43.
ReplyDeleteIf RPM Signs Kurt I Will Lose All Respect For Richard Petty
ReplyDeletemuch like darian, kurt says you would think every ride is open by all the calls i received.
ReplyDeletelol. haters.
Say it ain't so!
ReplyDeleteWOW didnt see that coming..I hope A.J. dont get droped..RPM hope you dont live to regret it...My bet is you will !
ReplyDeleteThis is totally bad news. The thought of Kurt Busch getting a ride in the Richard Petty 43 car at the expense of AJ Allmendinger is sno acceptable!
ReplyDeleteunbeliveable
ReplyDeleteOh hell no. Bush would not fit in with RPM. If he was angry this year, how would he react with a under funded team!?
ReplyDeleteWhat a Disgrace , Don't do it Richard... You don't have enough closet space for all that BAGGAGE (that guy) would bring !!!! Robbie Loomis ; Don't do it !!!! He will cost you your job & possible the whole team...The Richard Petty "dignity" would be GONE.....
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about how many different RPM shirts/hats,etc. I wear in the course of a week,it makes me "SICK TO MY STOMACH" to think Kurt Busch will be wearing the same logo on his uniform in 2012.
ReplyDeleteAj is class act all the way....hope they don't sell their souls for a couple better finishing positions....he has the ability to destroy rpm with his septic personality.
ReplyDeleteWell we can hope that Jack Roush called Loomis and reminded him that Kurt has now been fired by 2 high ranking teams for essentially the same problem. I really don't think Jack wants to see Kurt in a Ford.
ReplyDeleteKurt = Winner
ReplyDeleteAJ = Loser
you guys are going to be pissed no matter were Kurt goes so suck it up! Good luck Kurt!!!
ReplyDeleteTwo things:
ReplyDeleteDoes Richard Petty have to get Ford on board with this as well? I would think they may have some issues with Kurt Busch.
If AJ is a free-agent, does he end up in the #22 at Penske? If I was AJ, I think that would be better for him.
Richard Petty has a problem with an alcohol sponsorship, but is pondering this one over....REALLY!?
ReplyDeleteI think Jack Roush could have some say in this too.
ReplyDeleteJack Roush might find this hard to swallow
ReplyDeleteI understand that NASCAR racing is a business and they need someone that can perform on the track. Best Buy is a major sponsor and if they can retain it by hiring Kurt Busch, they will.
ReplyDeleteRPM pays for its cars and engines, and as such, Jack Roush would likely not have veto power over this decision.
ReplyDeleteRepeat.
ReplyDeleteKurt=winner
AJ=loser.
Talk about selling out...
ReplyDeleteThere's no question AJ has had some good runs in the 43 but COME ON if Kurt Busch is available you sign him ASAP.
ReplyDeleteaj to penski yes
ReplyDeleteyes!!!I love it, Kurt back with jack... =championship
ReplyDeleteI think they have lost their minds! AJ was a good fit for them...Kurt, not so much! Wonder how many times that LONG finger of the King's will be in his face! Bad move guys, just shaking my head screaming NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIf this happens...i will never cheer for the 43 or buy anything at bestbuy ever again
ReplyDeleteThat's great news for Kurt & RPM.
ReplyDeleteEveryone needs to hit twitter and tell them NO NO NO NO NO @BestBuy and @RPMotorsports
ReplyDeleteWell I guess it will save me money in merchandise. What will family members buy me for Christmas now?
ReplyDeleteThere are a few possibilities:
ReplyDelete1. 3-car RPM team (RPM buys the #6 points), and this is the third driver.
2. Allmendinger to #22, Shank Racing (Allmendinger is co-owner) alliance with Dragon Racing (Jay Penske) in INDYCAR.
3. RPM's other investors wanted a winner in order to sell a sponsor on the team.
I have lost all respect for RPM. I loved AJ. I can't stand Kurt Bush. Petty will be sorry for this.
ReplyDeleteThis is completely bogus. Allmendinger stood by RPM last year when their ship almost sunk. A year later, after he's had solid success in the #43, he may lose his seat to someone who has ZERO etiquette or respect towards team members, sponsors or even his owner. Hopefully RPM will reconsider this obvious irrational thinking. I know that from a personal standpoint, if this happens, I'll never look at RPM the same way again, nor will I respect them. As for Best Buy, if they jump back on board with a stipulation to be on Kurt Busch's Firesuit vs. AJ's, I will never buy from their store again. Now, if this is a switch and AJ gets hooked up with Penske, I can't say I'd blame him. I'd leave too if there were even rumors that people I stuck by through the hard times were even considering ditching me. Then, in 2012, the #22 of AJ Allmendinger would look really pretty blowing by the #43 of Kurt Busch. Just saying.
ReplyDeleteI was just heading out the door to shop for a 60" HDTV at BEST BUY but I stopped and returned to the office. I just sent BB an email asking them to reconsider not sponsoring a NASCAR ride. NASCAR needs sponsors like BB, but NOT with KB as a driver. All creditability would be lost. I took my checkbook home & decided to wait for a answer.
ReplyDeleteWell I'm on FB, Twitter, Best Buy e-mails, (looking 4 RPM e-mail, if anyone has) voicing my "H" NO... opinion
ReplyDeleteReally ???? Has Best Buy lost their minds ?? I quit eating M & Ms cause of his bother. Guess its time to cut up my Best Buy card !!! Im sure the co-sponser of the Air Force would really like a foul mouth like him representing our Troops. I think AJ did an excellent job of representing not only the sponsers, but also RPM. I don't think Kurt deserve the right to drive the Famous 43. Please think long and hard before you do something that could cause more damage then profit !!!!
ReplyDeleteI am not an AJ fan but I think he is better for the sport and a better fit with RPM than Kurt. Richard Petty has always been a class act but this move to sign Kurt would seriously damage that image. NASCAR does not need Kurt Busch and I think the sponsors should think long and hard before agreeing to such a hire.
ReplyDeleteAnn
At the end of the day, Allmendinger can't compete with Kurt Busch. This is a performance business, and Best Buy is a performance-driven sponsor. If Best Buy wants wins and top 5s, they're not going to stick with the nice guy who putts around in 15th place every week and has never won a race when they can have a proven champion who has won at least one race in each of the past ten seasons.
ReplyDeleteAJ has showed steady improvement through the years, but it's not enough. Once again, this is a performance-based business more than anything, and if you can't compete for wins regularly, you're not going to stick around unless you're paying for the ride yourself.
I'm certainly not a Bush fan but.... Maybe.... just maybe The King will get Kurt on the right track. I believe I'll wait and see before I judge.
ReplyDeletethis sucks my buddy works on the team nobody wants kb think about this richard
ReplyDeleteeat your heart out moody!
ReplyDeleteA. J. does not deserve this and I hope the the King realizes he already has a winner and does not need a pain in the you know what!
ReplyDeleteA.J. can get the 22 ride!
ReplyDeleteThe Dinger is good at wrecking cars and finishing 15th...Kurt Busch will win races and put the 43 back in Victory Lane...no brainer to hire Kurt Busch.
ReplyDeleteHow come no-one is considering that maybe they want to run three cars next year. You can say what you want about both brothers but bottom line is they win and their sponsors get 3 times the amount of money they spend in sponsoring them with the exposure they get for their products. This is all talk right now...calm down. Thw world won't end people. I more care that the 2 of them get their emotions under control then what is written on their fire suits. I'll say it again bottom line is they are winners and most people HATE winners. Their was another driver out there that people loved or hated and guess what he was a winner too. If ya don't like them then don't care about it. Move on because trust me they will win more then you want them too.
ReplyDeleteI have met Richard Petty in person and he is a man of high moral standards and a class act. Kurt Busch is a disgrace to himself and to NASCAR.He needs to go back stocking shelves at Walmart. How many corporations are going to want to support Richard Petty.
ReplyDeleteKurt should have had his mouth washed out with soap as a child.
I bet you will not see Dr Jerry Punch shopping at Best Buy.
This is just WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
wow,lots to talk about today,and i must say i didnt expect this possible turn of events. after a great season, we now are entertained by a great off season of changes and speculation. how will next year top this one?
ReplyDeleteI think Kurt will have a better attitude since all this happened and he almost didn't find a ride. That being said Kurt Busch or AJ Almendinger? Numbers do not lie! Dinger is a mid-pack driver at best. Some could even lobby that he does not even deserve to be in the cup series. Kurt Busch is a seasoned proven winner that can win at any track on any given weekend. Just to let everyone know, I am in no way a Kurt Busch fan, never have been & never will be. Like I have seen people write on here that RPM is underfunded, getting a sprint cup champion & start winning races is the best remedy to pick up $. I think it is smart move as long as Richard lays down rules & stick to them. I wish Richard Petty the best. I know that with the driver lineup at RPM that there is not a chance in hell to win a championship. If they get kurt, instantly a contender.
ReplyDeletehas anyone gotten any further comments from Dr Punch, I've read and heard that he accepted Kurt's apology and has moved on, if that's true, maybe the rest of us should too, Kurt will be on an extremely short lease, and maybe a stint with the "King" will straighten him out, I'm willing to wait and see
ReplyDeleteKurt Busch would probably do a good job for RPM and unlike Roush's arrangement with the Wood Brothers, he shouldn't have to have any contact with RFR. Also, he should get a lot of TV time initially for whoever the sponsor is as the TV people wait for him to blow up, excel, or fail. I do wonder a few things: 1) How does Marcos Ambros feel about this? 2) Will KB come in as the new guy and immediately think that he's their #1 guy/team leader before earning it? 3) What's gonna happen if he smarts off at Richard Petty in the garage after getting out of the car during a bad practice session? I'm also with another poster on wondering how Ford Motor Company feels about the possible pairing of KB and RPM.
ReplyDeleteno kurt for rpm...its time for occupy rpm
ReplyDeleteanswer to your questions #1 who cares how ambrose feels..#2 he will come in as the new number ONE driver #3Richard will bounce his head off the trailer but you will never see it...and for your fourth question He WON a freakin CHAMPIONSHIP for Ford and I believe it is the last one the have won so yeah they will probably hate the idea of having a true champ back geez people WTF???
ReplyDeleteLOL, I'm not a Busch fan, in fact Busch is my drivers enemy...but it is the fantasy of the foolish to think a driver of Busch's caliber and resume would last long on the open market. What's more surprising is Shell/Pennzoil turning away from FREE Publicity offered by NASCAR new bad boy driver since Dale Senior...now that was dumb.
ReplyDeletethere is big problems there thats why my driver Kasey Kahne left there. RPM will regret this AJ is a great guy and great runner. He will only get better and better. RPM you suck!!!
ReplyDeleteI wonder what Jack will have to say about that don't due it AJ is a much better person than Kurt will ever be
ReplyDeleteIf you won't put your name on your comment, it isn't worth reading!
ReplyDeleteI do recognize there is a business side of the motorsports business and you have to have a great driver, and Kurt meets that requirement. Yes he does have baggage but that can be covered in the contract. If the King states he wants him, then I would watch and see how he does.
And on the other hand, there isn't a thing we can do to affect the outcome.
I would have to say its a good thing we don't vote people into victory lane! The only person that would be there is the 88. What a boring race that would be.
ReplyDeleteThe only reason I believe this revolting development is because Moody wrote it himself. Whether it grows into something or not, Loomis' drooling comments regarding the possibility is testimony to the fact that character and maturity are not required for this business, any more than it is for any other big money business. All the comments about this being a performance based business just validate the fact that organizations and people will do anything for money--including hire a driver with personality (or worse) problems thinking they will go from 15th to 12th in points.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it is ironic that Busch is basically doing the same thing Allmendinger did when he hooked up with RPM-Gillet, it is also inevitable that some dough head organization is going to give Busch a ride in hopes their fortunes will rise as if he can do it alone.
I truly pity the team in the shop and at the track that will suffer if this comes to pass.
Why not David Ragan? RPM is more like a sattelite team Roush racing with so much support. I am like everybody else, Kurt Busch gets this ride and he will be on the nimeth cloud and will have the worst demenour than what he ever had. I am sorry, i am all about giving 2 chances, but with Kurt Busch, i don't know how many more chances to give.
ReplyDeleteDrop the zero, and sign the championship hero. Kurt back in a ford, and put jimmy fenning back on the box, and its game over!
ReplyDeleteDid anyone stop and think about the million dollar donation kurt made to petty foundation? Nope, you just think about him cussing out jerry punch. Thankyou!
ReplyDeleteHe's all yours RPM...but so is my Best Buy card if it happens....
ReplyDeleteNot just because of Kurt's attitude (I don't care how much he donates to ANY charitable organization - if you polish a turd, it's still a turd)....but also because AJ doesn't deserve to be dragged around like that...he's done all he's been asked to do, in an underfunded team setting...
Yep, good luck if this goes through....you may win some races - but that doesn't make you a 'winner'...
:(
Chrissy
You people are unbelievable, These businesses put millions of dollars into this sport and you refuse to go buy a TV from them, or refuse to eat M&M's? Is this the thanks that you give them? Because they choose a driver that may give them more exposure?? Because YOU don't approve? You guys are idiots. I support ALL the sponsors in "MY" sport of choice and that is how I thank them for the enjoyment I get. Maybe you guys should go buy your electronics from circuit city. Circuit city who??? When was the last time they were a major sponsor?? When was the last time they paid to put a car on the track for you to watch? They need our support so that we can continue to enjoy "the sport we follow".
ReplyDeletedespite roush giving RPM its engines i dont think they actually have a say. that said, i cannot believe the king is considering this move. look at the people that have been in the 43, thats not a coincidence. kurt would be a disgrace and a tragedy for the 43. its like giving him a pat on the ass. RPM is actually running well. to allow kurt ANOTHER shot after being fired 2x for being unsavory...just doesn't seem right. give him a year in an awful car...the 71...and teach him a lesson...then get a decent car for all i care.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately for RPM, The only other option may be "NO 43" Next year, I would rather see KB in the seat than NOBODY in the seat. I'm a fan of the sport and a fan of the 43. I am not a KB fan, but if that is what it takes, then I would rather have the car on the track than off the track
ReplyDeleteIf I were the team owner and Best Buy is willing to foot the bill, I would hire Kurt without hesitation.After all they had to endure the Elliott Sadler years,And given the choice between a driver with one top 5 finish in 36 races or a series champion who could likely put the #43 in chase contention, Id say give Kurt a chance,Do you really think King Richard is going to take any crap from the driver? And seeing how another outburst could be career ending I think KB gets it this time.
ReplyDeleteI was a Kurt Busch fan for many years. At the Glenn this year, he dumped AJ coming out of the bus stop for no good reason. That was the finish for me. I will not support any of his sponsors in the future. I will be sorely disappointed if RPM releases AJ in favor of Busch. At some point drivers have to take responsibility for their actions and if they can not control their behavior, then they need to find another field. Owners and sponsors must demand a high level of performance both on and off the track. Busch needs to prove himself before he is given another cup ride.
ReplyDeleteTo everyone who thinks Busch can do something at RPM, Bobby Labonte did not have much success there and he is also a proven winner and former cup champion. With mediocre equipment, talent will still only get mediocre results. Kurt does not have the talent of his brother, never has, never will. He knows that and so do longtime fans of either brother. Kurt needs to sit a season maybe in Nationwide and prove he can behave.
ReplyDeleteRPM have you seen the news reports, are you nuts
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteIn all fairness it should be Kyle thats on the sidelines, At least Kurt didnt try to kill anyone.Bobby Labonte drove for Petty Enterprises not RPM and his later seasons in the #18 were pretty lean also.So was it the car or driver? Seeing that Kurt never runs the truck races anymore and very rarely runs Nationwide their cup stats are fairly close,Then again Kyle would have a lot less truck wins if Carl Edwards or Tony Stewart ran trucks.And likewise if Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon ran Nationwide.
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone for keeping a very emotional discussion so civil. I have only had to delete one post, and that was this morning for a violation of our "no name calling" rule. People are not idiots just because they don't agree with your point of view.
ReplyDeleteThis makes me sick! I have been a Petty fan for 50 years through thick and thin, but this will end it. I'll go where AJ goes.Shame on you Richard.
ReplyDeleteDidn't the King have an issue with road rage on the highway with someone 15-20 years ago where he ended up bumping a car in front of him at speed? It was around the time he was constantly thought of as a possible candidate for state wide office.
ReplyDeleteKB should fit right in!!!
well i hate to aj lose he ride but this is the way its goes
ReplyDeleteShame on Richard for what? Keeping his car on the track? You realize it's possible that without a driver change maybe they have no major sponsor? Kurt Busch may be a verbally abusive pompous ass, but he is a proven winner and past champion. The man can flat out drive a race car. Some of you people act like RPM is talking about putting Jerry Sandusky in the car or something.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading a good portion of the comments and listening to The Morning Drive guys weigh in on this, I will do the same. If I am a major sponsor going to spend millions of dollars to sponsor a team, I don't want to be in the news for the wrong reasons, ie having to apologize for the behavior of the driver. And 3 weeks is not enough time to make major changes to temperament and attitude that Kurt Busch needs to make. So, were I a principle at RPM, I'd not sign him. Give him a year to cool his jets, to get the help he needs and see where he is after a year off.
ReplyDeleteI sure hope this doesn't happen . I have been a die hard Richard Petty fan for 40 years and this would end that along with shopping at Best Buy . What doesn't make sense to me is why would Jack allow this to happen with as much as he hates Kurt i can't see him help RPM any longer . I hope that when i wake up this was just a bad dream .
ReplyDeleteNot sure if I would really consider RPM's equipment mediocre. I believe that they utilize RoushYates motors and RoushFenway built chassis. Remember back when boozoo was "running" RPM and Jack Roush cut him off because he couldn't pay his engine/chassis bill.
ReplyDeleteAny equipment that can race their way to a win (no fuel mileage) is good equipment in my mind. Also, they ran up front most of the day at the Coke 600.
If this goes thru, I hope they don't even finish in the top 35 for the year
ReplyDeleteAnd if it doesn't go through, look for them to hover around the top 15 most every week...same as it ever was. That's if they can even keep a sponsor.
ReplyDeleteAs a huge Petty fan I am not in favor of this at all and will stop following the team. I really don't like what NASCAR (I refuse to call it Sprint Cup) has become and this will seal the deal so to speak for me completely turning my back on it.
ReplyDeleteActually Mr Moody, I did not call anyone an "idiot" but you seem to have! I simply said there were many whiners and complainers that are showing the same arrogance they bashed Kurt for! I'm still your biggest fan, but I'm sure you'll delete this post also. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to respond!
ReplyDeleteActually, Chris, no I won't. You most recent post is fine. All I ask is that we avoid name-calling and treat each other with respect, even when we disagree. Thanks for understanding.
ReplyDeleteThis is the organization that let Kasey Kahne go. They had a championship caliber driver in their stable and ran him out. Hope they sign Busch and treat him with the same lack of respect as they did Kahne.
ReplyDeleteEverybody needs to stop and realize that RPM is a completely different organization from what it was before 2011. The previous ownership group is gone (Richard's name was on the building when Gilette owned it but he had no say in the operation). The current owners are not the ones that "ran" Kahne out of the group. This is a well funded non-leveraged team now that will probably be around for a while and Kurt Busch would take it to the next level. As long as they have an airtight morals clause in his contract.
ReplyDeleteNot a Busch fan but I do respect his driving ability and as long as he can wheel a car he will always have a competetive seat in Cup.
End of story.
And boycotting sponsors or losing respect/turning your back on team owners is ridiculous.
If Tiger Woods can make a comeback and gain sponsors so can Kurt Busch.It could be worse could you imagine the #43 being a start and park entry due to no sponsorship?
ReplyDeletethe bush boys are stinking up nascar.they need to go back to late models.maybe in alaska.we don't need them in nascar
ReplyDeleteLets look at the facts. Best buy drivers. Jeff green-loser. Elliot sadler-cant win in nationwide,nevermind cup. A.j. Allmendinger -no good either.
ReplyDeleteIts time to put best buy in victory lane, they deserve it, its been a long time coming.
I'd hate to see it but I'd understand why. I am in IT so I buy a lot of stuff from my local Best Buy. I'll probably have less respect for RPM but I'll still respect Richard Petty, he has earned it. I'll NEVER support either of the bush's (lower case on purpose) so I won't buy any of their merchandise, but I'll probably still buy from BB.
ReplyDeleteI'd rather see ANY driver in the 43 but right now kurt bush has the best stats of any available driver. I don't think he is going to do any better than A.J. did though. I think his talent is in his equipment. If he aint got the best he isn't going to be running in the top half of the field and he'll be screaming and berating who ever is on the other end of the radio.
All I can say is: Glad I aint on that team!
Ughhh, he'd be in a roush yates car. The same one that tied for the points championship 2011.
ReplyDeleteWell i for one would be glad to see Kurt in the iconic#43.Choclate Myers say no race fans no racing,well i,m a Kurt fan and without him on the track i won,t be watching racing. Racing is better with the Busch boys because they or coming to the front if possible.Nascar nation could be charged with hate crimes against the Busch boys.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'd be "okay" with it IF it is for a third team and not in the #43 and not at the expense of A.J.! A.J. is the future (and a bright, productive future it should be) of RPM success.
ReplyDeleteGo Kurt Win in 97 2 22 NOW in 51
ReplyDeleteGo Kurt No more stupid questions from dr punch
ReplyDelete