With Kurt Busch's "mutual" ouster at Penske Racing, we are left to wonder who will get his old ride in the #22 Dodge? I believe the reason he had to leave the Penske #2 ride last year was because the new sponsor of the 22 demanded a "championship caliber" driver. That verbiage cuts Kurt's potential replacements down to Bill Elliott, Terry Labonte, Kimi Raikkonen, and not much else.
The other big question is where will Kurt wind up? It is difficult to imagine many sponsors willing to give his past bad behavior a flyer. And, the sponsors control every driver move made in nascar. The JGR, Home Depot, #20 is the only possibility.... and that is slight. Home Depot is fed up with getting their ass kicked weekly by Jimmie Johnson's Lowes Chevy. Home Depot also has experience in dealing with a "difficult" driver... hey, Smoke.
Fifteen years ago, talented Robby Gordon was a hot shot, open wheeled, prima donna with nascar team owners bidding for his talent. Seven years, and four teams later, the hot-headed Gordon was out of options, formed his own team, and is now a start-and-parker.
Busch now has burned bridges with two power teams in the Cup series. His next chance may be his last. Just ask Robby.
