Kyle Busch Plans for F1 Test
May 18, 2008 by Tim Zaegel
Filed under Racing
Image details: Dodge Challenger 500 served by picapp.com
Yup, you read the title correctly … Kyle Busch, first in the Sprint Cup standings, second in the Nationwide Series standings, sixth in the Craftsman Truck Series standings, and winner of 8 NASCAR points-paying events in only 27 races run this season … THAT Kyle Busch is now already making plans to put together a test session over in Japan with Formula One.
This past Friday night at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Kyle told the media, “We’re working on a test session right now at the end of November or beginning of December sometime, going to Japan and doing a little exhibition sort of deal and see what it’s like. We’ll take the Cup car over there, too, I think. Just kind of run around there at at either Twin Ring (Motegi) or something like that and show them what the Cup cars are like, and try to get in the Formula One car, too.”
When asked if this was an indicator that he has any interest in competing in the series, Kyle said, “We’ll see how good I test, first.”
Busch is smokin’ crack.
First of all they know what a Cup car is “all about.”
In fact Twin-Ring Motegi not only provides Cup cars for the fans very much like the Petty Driving Experience but also 600 hp Sprint Cars for the fans to drive on the dirt oval that is on the property. And there is a near cult-like group of fans that spend thousands of dollars each year driving them.
Secondly, the chances of him testing an F1 Toyota at Twin-Ring is the closest thing to nil you can get, the place is owned by Honda.
They would look the other way for a stock car Toyota for the reason stated above, but a F1 Toy test? No, it ain’t happening.
And the reverse is true, they wouldn’t give him an F1 Honda because of his Toy connections, the F1 rivalry between the two squads is too keen.
What about other tracks you ask?
Well there’s always Suzuka but alas it also owned by Honda.
And Fuji is owned by Toyota. The next best option is Autopolis and it’s not only out in the Japanese boonies but not FIA cleared for F1 type cars.
Dream on Baby Busch, dream on.
I agree. Baby Busch is smokin crack dude!
Marc, my initial thoughts when I discovered this all revolved around how massively huge this kid’s ego truly must be. To me, he still hasn’t proven himself as the real deal in the Cup Series, yet he’s already making plans like this. Tsk Tsk.
^ Those were my exact first thoughts. Interested in seeing how this pans out.
Tim, I don’t think it’s as much as his ego but I have a thought this was all concocted by Toyota and Busch is just going along for the ride.
Believe it or don’t, Japan has a large group of fans that follow NASCAR and during my seven years living there it was far from unusual to see NASCAR gear adoring the “teen-things” and above in Akihbara and other places around the country.
I have been saying for two years that Busch has what it takes to be a Formula One driver. As long as he makes it past the chaos of the standing start, and as long as he doesn’t have to pass for the lead–which only happens two or three times a year in F1 anyway–he would be great at it.
He still needs more to prove himself good, like Tim said.
I have no doubt that Kyle has the ability to drive anything with a motor in it … he’s that good. I’ve heard rumors that he plans to look to the F1 Series around the age of 30, though, and I can only hope that he’ll have matured by then … I’d hate to see what his reckless behavior would do in open wheels.
And, Marc, I’ve never been to Japan myself … but, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least to learn that they have a NASCAR following out in the Far East. Our cultures seem to mimic one another these days in terms of technology and entertainment.
Tim, that’s the crack pipe talking, there’s no way Busch or anyone else will have any shot at breaking into F1 at age 30.
No way… no how.
F1 is the pinnacle of motorsports and require a special kind of guy. I like that Kyle is up to for a challenge but it’s not as simple as driving a cup car. The amount of Gs and pushing the car to the limit on a twisty circuit it ain’t as simple as it looks.
Here some comments from a punk that could not make it in F1
http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/080519170700.shtml
So, Marc … it seems to me that we’re in agreement that Kyle’s not exactly the brightest crayon in the box. Age 30 wasn’t my idea – just relaying what I hear.
This must be a joke, a bad one. F1 is looking for any kind of PR to get popular in US. A Nascar driver doesn’t have the finesse and precision that it takes to drive an F1, not in a million years. Look at Bourdais, the 4 times consecutive Indycar championship winner, at F1, he’s driving for one of the worst teams in the grid but his 21 year old teammate is kicking his ass on every race.
…and Busch, ohh he’s gonna get a surprise when he feel’s the kind of power an F1 can achieve, he doesn’t have any idea. That’s 750hp from a 2.4L V8.
Trent do you mean like the 850 horsepower generated by Sprint Cup cars? For the mathematically challenged that’s a hundred more than a Ferrari or Mercedes-Mclaren.
And why do you use Bourdais to base your misguided point on? He’s driving a crap-wagon that no one could get to the front including his teammate. That aside he’s an open wheeler not from NASCAR. You’re making an apples and oranges comparison.
Tell you what Trent, do a search for the yearly Race of Champions events held in Dec-Jan.
When you find the website check the past records. You’ll find both Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon have raced against and BEATEN F1 would champs, WRC world champs among many other of the top drivers in the world.
And they’ve done it in identical vehicles where it’s the driver that makes the difference not the car.
And as a final note it’s not F1 looking for the PR, this stunt was dreamed up by Toyota not F1.
Trent, do you have the feeling nothing in your comment is close to reality?
You should.
I’m not gonna lie … I’m really not versed well enough in the F1 Series to get too deep into this conversation between the two of you, but I can say that NASCAR’s Cup Series drivers have proven on a number of occassions that they’re just as talented – if not more talented – as any other drivers in the world.
Cup drivers are the best drivers in e world and that all there is to it. F1 sucks.
Adam C – Offering any proof of that statement?
Their are no “best” drivers in the world, there are very few venues/events where they can be rightfully compared.
The only legit one being the Race of Champions, where some years the NASCAR drivers do exceptionally well and others ti’s the WRC drivers or F1 drivers.
It is apparent that toyota sees something rare and special in kyles busch.Toyota is aware how hard it is to adjust to F1 g’s and that’s why he will eventually become a test driver (for toyota) for a couple of years and at the same time he will compete in lower formulas(formula renault or GP2). Most importantly, Toyota will be very competative after the 2009F1 rules change. Less areo/slick tires ,close to how F1 was in the 80’s.perfect for kyle
My friends this has nothing todo with a pr stunt or if there is a nascar following in japan…think of it this way ,if kyle is as good as what toyota says then there is a chance that the USA and Nascar image can be elevated to trmendous hieghts. The idea that a fast nascar driver going to race in F1 and do a good early on is priceless for Nascar.kyle will always be a nascar boyand that’s he is the perfect candidate to be nascars ambassadore in F1. I have the faith in that boys ability.no question. You should too. Swallow your pride.
willy bermello, excuse me but…. you’re out of your mind!
Personally, I really think that folks are reading a bit too much into the whole scenario, especially diehard Formula One fans. I know Busch made some comments about possibly racing the cars later on in his career, but that’s just Kyle’s arrogance talking. He enjoys the controversy.
As for the test session later in the year, Kyle wants to race pretty much everyday year-round, especially if it makes people talk. Take that and add in the fact that Toyota sees some dollar signs with minimal effort, and what do you get? Kyle Busch in an F1 test session in Japan.
Maybe I am , who knows. Gotta have faith.
Willy, I hope you don’t take offense. I appreciate ya stopping by to drop a line.
Never do…All I really want is for all american drivers to shine internationaly.and the”race of champions” is not the best place to demonstrate driving ability. You can only do it in nascar,f1 and rally….but for MARC , he better hope that I am dead wrong. Only time will tell. Talk to you in december.
I HAVE to hope your “dead wrong bermello?”
And if the reverse is true?
Put down the crack pipe and mouse and slowly back away from the computer.
The Kyle/Toyota alliance only works within the U.S. and that’s the single place on the planet it will ever work.
Toyota is in NASCAR to promote sales and it’s image in the U.S. not to migrate any of it’s stars to other and completely different racing series.
That fact, in addition to the outright lunacy of thinking someone can step into F1 at age 30 or older and be close to a race winner is just that, pure unadulterated lunacy.
I mite be on crack but I’m not stupid. .anybody going to f1 at 30 is living a pipe dream. I agree.
Now is the only oppurtunity for kyle and it will take another 3 to 4 years before he will ever race an F1 car.(Testing)
If he wins this years Spintcup, just maybe his ego mite take him straight to F1. To be in F1 you have to have a huge amount selfish/ego and supurb driving skills. Undoubtely He has both.
So what’s the big deal if a very talented driver from nascar goes to F1 and comes back at age 33.the guy has nothing to loose.especially with toyo,,they have plenty of money.
Regardless it was a pleasure talking to you guys.
Is he nuts he doesn’t stand a chance,I hope he tryes it and then he will find out how bad a driver he really is!
You all are the one that’s nuts,for thinking kyle’s a bad driver. He’s the best and he is performing day in and day out.And Anybody objects is just plain retarded. He has no buisness in NSCS,he’s too gifted. I think its better that he eventually leaves so all your favorite novice drivers can start winning.
I’ve gotta agree with Willy on one particular point – Kyle Busch is a helluva wheel man. You can talk all you want about his dominance being because of how good his cars are or because of the Toyota horsepower, but that was an outstanding move that he put on Jimmie Johnson at the end of the Chicago race, and it’s stuff like that the proves just how good he is himself.
Now, why he wouldn’t want to stay in Sprint Cup is beyond me. It is, afterall, the most prestigious form of motorsports in the US.
Its about time someone agrees with me.thank you Tim..
The reason why I think he should leave(once he wins the NSCS),is because he is light years ahead in talent compared to the rest of the field. No disrespect to the rest,they’re really good but next to kyle its a joke. Again if he wins,and by a “land slide”,then why stay in the US…if one has the ability to do whatever, then why limit your self..kyle has that ability.
I agree that in terms of ability alone, I’d put him in the top tier within the NASCAR ranks, but I don’t think I’d classify him as “light years ahead” of the others. He’s on a hot streak, but it’s not going to last forever … in terms of going to F1, I just don’t really see it. While it’s got a ton of international fame, the fan base within the US just isn’t comparably by any means.
As much as it pains me to do so, I admit that Kyle has been impressive this year. This year. To say that he is “light years ahead in talent” is jumping the gun a bit. Granted, winning is a damn good thing, but in my opinion a lot more should be factored into “talent” than just winning (especially since a lot more should be factored into “winning” than just talent – sometimes it’s just sheer dumb luck for any given driver). He’s had what, 7 wins this season? That’s great. Something like 11 in his entire career (which, albeit, hasn’t been that long)? OK. And, he’s steadily moved up in where he’s finished in points each year, so that’s definitely good. But it’s a bit premature to say he is light years ahead in talent. I think Tim’s on the mark by saying he’s on a hot streak. Only time will tell if that hot streak continues and turns into steady, reliable results. You can’t base that on one superb season.
And, with that being said, I don’t think he’d be limiting himself if he stayed in the US. If he turns into some kind of (constantly) spectacular driver, why leave NASCAR? Why not stay and soak up the glory? Career wise, for anyone in any career, what’s wrong with excelling in your current field? Nothing that I can see, but then again I’m obviously not a driver so maybe branching out would be more satisfying for him.
Finally a note of caution from Alicia. (As opposed to willy’s overblown rhetoric)
One note willy, I can point to people that said similar things about J. Johnson last years phenomenal season.
Where is he now?
Would you guys think I was smoking crack if I said that Kyle B’s performance at Darlington this year, and the way he took the lead from Jimmie Johnson, Saturday, reminded me of Michael Schumacher?
Now that you asked…. yes.
Kyle is having one of those freak one-in-a-lifetime years that will never be duplicated, jast as Johnson had last year and when Roush had all five teams in the Chase.
I think Alicia’s brought a very good, and – more importantly – fair assessment in regards to Kyle Busch. But, let’s make something very clear, here … he may be on a very hot streak right now, but that’s not to say that he won’t be one of the top drivers in our sport for years to come. The big hangup in my mind regarding a move to F1 isn’t really about whether or not he wins a Sprint Cup championship, or if it gives him a better chance to show his full arsenal of talents – but, it’s about him trying to fill the NASCAR record books from top to bottom. See, one or two championships just ain’t enough … he’s going to wind up wanting to fall in line with the Dale Earnhardt’s, Richard Petty’s, and Jeff Gordon’s in terms of the record books.
Alicia,Tim and Marc I see your point about kyle staying in the US. Understand…
But I think the guy thinks he the greatest since slice bread. Now i don’t know him but its just a hunch. And with that mentality mixed with his talent he has no place in Nascar. Remember his first teamates were johnson and gordon and there was no respect coming from his part. Any other rookie would sitback learn and wait. Overall People think that there were problems in hendricks towards the end ,but since the beginning that boy wanted to be the #1 driver. I am telling you all kyle thinks he’s the best.To me Nascar is blue collar sport that every driver represents the fans in a humble fashion. Kyle is the opposite.
And I think kyle could careless about record books or names. He shows no respect to Jr , jeff, tony, sometimes Hamlin.
Yes, he is in a streak but why isn’t hamlin or tony ? And he’s doing it in Nation and Trucks.
Guys and gals , again I see your point , I’m just not buying it. The guys a son of a ***** and only sob’s belong in Europe.
lol … Willy, that’s definitely one way of putting it. You made me laugh there at the end! lol
willy – “The guys a son of a ***** and only sob’s belong in Europe.”
If that were the case the U.S. Congress and House of Reps. would be as unpopulated as the dark side of the moon.
Oh, Willy, I agree 100% in thinking that Kyle thinks he is (or at least wants to be) the greatest thing since sliced bread. It’s just a vibe he puts off, for me anyway. And it’s either going to a) bite him hard in the ass, or, b) like Tim said once (either in these comments or comments on another one of his posts), he’s going to rise to be the driver people love to hate which could end up being great $$$-wise for NASCAR.
100% correct, Alicia … With Jeff Gordon beginning to get a little bit older in this series, Kyle Busch is exactly what NASCAR needs. Just as much as sports need their loveable and huggable fan favorites, they also need someone that the fans can consistently rip into.
Who cares?
Americans are rubbish at F1, Euro drivers are far superior, its just Peter Windsor trying to drum up cash by getting a Yank in one of his cars.