What's Kurt Busch to do? (cont'd)

My guess is if Kurt were to give us his true feelings on his sponsor, instead of maniacally screaming "It's Miller Time" as he crossed the finish line, Kurt would say something simple, not derogatory but not hyperbolic either -- something to the effect of "it's a pretty good beer, much like Budweiser and Coors -- nothing life altering, but it tastes good when cold." That is an honest answer to just about anyone's thoughts on the relative taste of Miller Lite. Still, Busch plays the game like everyone tells him to.

The sad truth for Kurt is he has made significant improvements in what it appeared people wanted from him but still, to his detractors, it is no good. These days he is a less controversial subject (save the Tony Stewart pit incident), he is less of a media lightning rod, and he is a better corporate pitchman. However, with all of these improvements, NASCAR fans somehow find reason to dislike him. Why? Apparently the changes that have remedied to a large extent his objectionable behavior have made him, well, not objectionable enough. Don't think about that rationale too long because your brain will seep right into your stomach. Trust me, I know.

In the end all of this has to have the driver of the No. 2 car wondering what the hell these people want from him which brings me to...

Question of the Week

Do you prefer a driver who says what's on his mind even if he occasionally ruffles some feathers and sticks his foot in his mouth or do you prefer a more politically correct driver who is typically very media savvy? Answer this one for Kurt's sake so he knows whether to be himself or not.

Last Week's QOW

In the previous column I asked if you, the fans, thought NASCAR should have more road course races and for the second week in a row we have a blow out in the survey.

Yes -- 85.4%
No - 14.6%

This, at once, stunned and delighted me. Personally, I know road course racing isn't the history of the sport, but I have to say I find the events very entertaining. Below is the best of the responses.

If NASCAR is going to branch north of the border or south to Mexico with a Cup date, they will be on the road course. So kill two birds with one stone and do it.
Bowmanville, Ontario

Many fans from the land of the Maple Leaf sounded off on this question and if they keep churning out races like the Montreal Busch race it will be hard to deny them a Cup Race.

While adding a road course or two would be good it shouldn't be at the expense of Darlington a place that both fans and race drivers love.
Joseph -- London

Solid point... unfortunately someone has to lose a race for a road course to be added.

Absolutely. What began as dreadful boring events on the schedule have become, next to the two Bristol races, the must-see events to circle on the calendar? Hopefully NASCAR is listening to the fans and drivers.
John -- Denver

(resisting every temptation to throw in a ridiculous John Denver line) From your keyboard to my column to NASCAR's ears.

Chatroom Chatter

You guys are the one's that inspired the above column so I owe you.

Maybe Teresa can sell the No. 8 rights to raise engine building money!
Brad -- Norwalk, Iowa

It's too bad the guy who earns all the money for her wouldn't benefit from any possible decent engines those funds would bring in.

A good day for Toyota. Nice to see Vickers in the top 10.
Heath -- Des Moines, Iowa

In Michigan, Toyota made history. That can't sit well with the American auto companies. Now, when and where will they win a race? It's going to happen.

I hate to say it, but Jr. may be finished for 2007.
Kenny -- Japan

When you get a second like he did in Pocono three weeks ago and lose ground, you know you are in trouble.

Finally, a reminder that the Jack Daniel's Post Race Show will be on site in Bristol so be sure to stop by and say hi if you are lucky enough to track us down. I've gone on record and picked Tony Stewart. If he wins, I'll no doubt be incorrigible which always makes for a good time.

Enjoy Bristol.