Several years ago I wrote a column for a national magazine with this headline: “Robby Gordon: Good Guy? Bad Guy?” I went to Gordon’s shop to find the answer to that question. I spent eight hours that day digging into his management style and personality. Back then, he was labeled cocky, viewed as brash and written off by the media. I came away with the answer that he was a really good guy. He became a Sprint Cup team owner, grew up and he’s now respected for his tenacity as an independent, single-team owner and a real racer in both on- and off-road circuits.
I was in Victory Lane with Tony Stewart after his recent win with Stewart Haas Racing. Sure, he has his moments of smart-aleck comebacks, which are his version of a playful, busting-the-chops type of sense of humor. Fans used to criticize the “old” Stewart with phrases like “disrespectful to others and the sport.” Today, Stewart still makes smart-aleck comments, and requires even the toughest journalist to stay on his or her toes, but he’s loved in the garage by his peers, looked up to by young drivers and NASCAR, understood by the media and perceived as a giving, caring, brilliant race car driver and philanthropist.
I headed to pit road after the spring 2002 Bristol Motor Speedway Busch Series race when I noticed Kevin Harvick on the pit box eyeing Greg Biffle. As I got to the grid I looked back down pit road again and saw Harvick, arms folded, glaring at Biffle. I reached out my microphone to interview Biff and, from the corner of my eye, saw a body flying over my right shoulder going for his throat. It was Harvick. (See www.youtube.com
/watch?v=atHh2MSwU8I.) I was pushed to the ground in the scuffle. Harvick now is a respected team owner. Aside from a straightforward, non-PC comment here and there and that trademark Kevin Harvick scowl, he no longer is subject to outbursts or the topic of much criticism. He’s a terrific businessman and a really good guy.
Fast-forward to Kyle Busch. He’s so polarizing that when I’m on the air, the mere mention of his name lights up the phone lines. Fans often call and say that too many of the drivers have cookie-cutter personalities. They can’t understand if it’s the sponsors or NASCAR restraining them. I say that when a driver does anything over the top, whether it’s right or wrong, he is massacred by the fans who disagree with him, which is covered by the media to the point of overkill. His impulsiveness blows up in his face and the driver begins to tuck inside his emotion and play it safe.
The question I have is this: Is Busch different in persona than Gordon, Harvick or Stewart, or is he just younger?
What do you think?
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