NASCAR driver fired after inappropriate tirade at reporter
Kurt Busch has been fired. Again.
According to the Charlotte Observer, Penske Racing fired its NASCAR No. 22 Dodge driver Sunday. An official announcement is expected Monday from Penske.
Just a little over a week ago, NASCAR fined Busch $50,000 for the use of an obscene gesture and profanity during an interaction with ESPN reporter Dr. Jerry Punch during the Sprint Cup series finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the Boston Herald reports.
The incident with Punch, which took place in the garage after Busch’s car broke its transmission, was caught on video and posted on YouTube.
The Boston Herald reports that Penske Racing officials gave a statement saying they were reviewing the matter internally.
Unfortunately for Busch, this is not his first firing for a reason unrelated to the track. In November 2005, less than one year after winning his first Cup series championship, Busch was cited for criminal recklessness in Avondale, Ariz., in what police said was an alcohol-related incident. Soon after, he was fired by Roush Fenway Racing.
After sitting out the final two races of 2005, Busch began driving for team owner Roger Penske in 2006. Since joining the Penske team, Busch has won 10 races and his highest finish was fourth place in 2009, the Herald reports.
Because this decision comes so late in the season, it puts Penske and Busch in a very difficult position. There are currently no quality cars available for Busch next season. Other drivers who competed this season but are now without cars include David Ragan, Brian Vickers and David Reutimann.
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