The 'Real' Kyle Busch

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. -- In a video message to his new driver, Joe Gibbs, owner of Joe Gibbs Racing, joked that he would have to coach for the next 10 years in order afford the latest addition to his stable -- Kyle Busch.

This bigger question may be how much money the Washington Redskins coach will spend on image consultants and sports psychologists to tame and refine the 22-year-old outgoing Hendrick Motorsports driver, who said next season his real persona will shine through.

After the official announcement of Busch's new three-year contract was made at JGR headquarters in North Carolina Tuesday, NASCAR.COM chatted with Busch on the subject further.

Gibbs signs Busch

Kyle Busch has signed with Joe Gibbs Racing to drive the No. 18 Chevrolet beginning in 2008.

• Complete story, click here
• The 'Real' Kyle Busch: Q&A
• Menzer: Busch adds to puzzle
• Message Board: Sound off!

Q: During the news conference, you said the 'real' Kyle Busch will be able to show his true colors here at Joe Gibbs Racing. Who is the real Kyle Busch?

Busch: I think I've done a pretty bad job of showing who I am over the past few seasons. I guess the whole time really it's been all about winning and becoming a racer, not about enjoying what I'm doing and being a racer. There are two different scenarios to this. Then all of the turmoil came upon us, the biggest thing for me is to sit back and look and realize there's more to life than racing and being happy while racing.

Q: Will we still see the color and candor that is Kyle Busch?

Busch: I hope so. I have my color, which is my drive and determination, which is what probably sets me apart from other competitors. For myself, I have done, I guess, what some might call a bad job of covering [emotions]. I can be competitive and yet when I don't win or wreck, I'm upset. When I don't win I can't be the guy that says we'll just go to next week.

Q: Are you misunderstood?

Busch: I've done a very good job of tricking everybody. I show them the bad side, I don't show them the good side. Why show the good side? Then I'd be Carl Edwards or something. No! I'm kidding! Maybe with all the money J.D. is paying me, I'll have to pay some more people to polish me up a bit ... soften up my edges.

Q: Was money a factor into your decision and were other NASCAR teams priced out of the market?

Busch: Money was never a factor. Actually there were two other places that were paying higher dollar to join their team. To me, it's all about the relationships that I can build here with Joe and J.D. and everyone, Tony and Denny as teammates. I feel like I can get a stronger bond. Denny and I have a strong one now, and Tony, we can build on that. Tony and I are friends. We talk, mess around and joke. He talks to my girlfriend more than he does me, but it's a relationship that will be ongoing and we can make it stronger.

Q: In negotiating with some of the sports biggest team owners, did you walk away with new friendships?

Busch: I did and I hope they feel the same. I hope we did it the right way and spent enough time with everyone and their organizations. Ray Evernham, we just want to go race dirt cars together, so he can be my dirt car owner and Chip Ganassi, he's so fun to hang out with, he's a laid back, this crazy cool kind of guy who really cares about racing as much as I do. Richard Childress has definitely been a great help to me and understanding. I felt a strong bond with everybody and I think great relationships were build with everyone where we can still talk. I mentioned to him, RC, I'd like to talk with him more so up and down the road.

Q: Did you want to be the No. 1 guy on the next team you signed with or was being the flagship driver a factor into your decision?

Busch: I never came out and said I wanted to be the No. 1 guy somewhere. That was more so mentioned in the media of why I was leaving Hendrick Motorsports. Being the leader of a team at 22 years of age isn't something I'm ready for. Whether I'm third or not, the No. 18 car is No. 1 in the pecking order, because they were the first team here so that's how I feel about it. I'm looking forward to bringing the No. 18 Chevy back up to No. 1 in the pecking order. (Continued)