Buh-Bye Kurt! Penske relieves himself of a bad burden. Busch is gone...

This took too long to happen, but the good thing is that it opens up a seat to a driver that has earned a shot at the Big's.

Busch, Penske mutually agree to part ways

By NASCAR.COM
December 05, 2011 11:39 AM, EST


Kurt Busch and Penske Racing announced Monday they have mutually decided to end their relationship.

"I appreciate the victories that Kurt has brought Penske Racing and our sponsors over the past six years," team owner Roger Penske said. "While I am disappointed that Kurt will not be racing for our team in the future, both Kurt and I felt that separating at this time was best for all parties, including our team and sponsors. I wish Kurt the best in his future racing endeavors."

The 2004 Cup champion said he did some reflecting the past couple weeks and came to the realization he needed a "fresh start."

"I am grateful to Penske Racing for six very productive years," Busch said. "Together we won a lot of races -- 16 in all. I'm proud that we won on a variety of tracks and this past season reached Victory Lane four times. Another highlight was pushing my teammate to a Daytona 500 win. I also appreciate the lasting friendships I've made while working with our great sponsors through the years, including Miller Lite, Shell and Dodge.

"Coming to a mutual agreement to go our separate ways is a positive step for me. Over the Thanksgiving holiday I took time to reflect on what is most important to me and realized I need to find a way to put the fun back into racing. It's time for a fresh start. Leaving a great organization and a lucrative contract is not easy, but it allows me to take a deep breath and work on things that can make me a better driver and a better person.

Penske has not yet decided who to put in the No. 22 in the Cup Series and Busch is unsure where he will drive next season.

"I recognize the passion and emotion that have helped me succeed on the track need to be better channeled off the track," Busch said. "The past few months I began working with a sports psychologist to help me better deal with my emotions, especially following moments of frustration during competition.

"I never want to take for granted that it's a privilege to earn a living as a NASCAR driver. As I begin this new chapter in my career, I'm excited about the future and committed to making the changes necessary for me to enjoy racing again, to compete for championships and to better represent NASCAR, my sponsors, my team and my fans."

I'm curious to see what happens next!