Kurt Busch was finally able to give Phoenix Racing his first win on July 6 at the Subway Jalapeno 250 Powered by Coca-Cola race. He managed to survive the wrecks to finish in first place at the Daytona International Speedway. Busch has had his share of problems this season, but I think the win could be the turning point he needs.
Limited Funding Not Enough to Stop Him
As one of the smaller teams in the Nationwide Series, Phoenix Racing could not offer Kurt Busch a sponsorship or the type of equipment that he used with Penske Racing. However, the Subway Jalapeno 250 Powered by Coca-Cola race showed that limited funds cannot stop skills on the track. By the end of the race on July 6, it was obvious that Busch's car was barely holding on with serious damage. Allegedly, parts of the car were being held up with tape. If Kurt Busch can avoid a relapse into some of the temper problems witnessed earlier this season, he could make the underfunded team a true contender in Nationwide. The win could also increase interest from sponsors in Phoenix Racing and lead to better equipment.
Winning for Phoenix Racing
During the 2012 NASCAR season, Kurt Busch has faced penalties, a suspension and scrutiny from the media. His altercation with a reporter in June and an earlier incident at Darlington Raceway in May led many to question his ability to take the second chance from Phoenix Racing seriously. However, Busch's ability to give owner James Finch a first place finish with Phoenix Racing has shown that he can thrive in difficult conditions.
After his departure from Penske Racing in 2011, James Finch gave Kurt Busch a second opportunity and a chance to redeem himself. Some of his actions this season have created doubts about his future with Phoenix, and Finch seemed on the brink of firing him at one point. After his suspension in June, James Finch stated that he would be willing "to get out" if the situation with Busch did not improve and pointed out, "There are a helluva [sic] lot of [drivers] out there." However, Finch is probably glad he decided to stick with Busch after his win on July 6.
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Growing up in Indiana, Lana developed a love for motorsports at an early age. She follows NASCAR, IndyCar and Formula One. Follow @Lana_Bandoim on Twitter.
