The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series kicked off with the Daytona 500. The race saw a chaotic final lap, and a broadcast filled with many commercials. Two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch was seeking his first Cup Series win in Daytona, but only crossed the line in 19th in what was his 18th attempt. More than the Richard Childress Racing driver’s result, it was his post-race interview that created quite a stir in the NASCAR community.
Dustin Long from NBC Sports tweeted the interview with the caption, “#NASCAR … Here is what Kyle Busch had to say after leaving the infield care center…”
In the interview, Kyle Busch, who appeared angry and frustrated, said, “I think this was the first time I lead lap 200, so I wish it was 1998 rules. But no, it’s just a part of the course, just used to it. Come down here every year to just find out when and where I’m gonna crash and what lap I come outta the care center.”
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#NASCAR … Here is what Kyle Busch had to say after leaving the infield care center… pic.twitter.com/LGdzNvcQug
— Dustin Long (@dustinlong) February 20, 2023
Kyle Busch’s statement was not the first time he has expressed his frustration at the Daytona International Speedway. In 2012, he had famously said, “I’m not sure why we’re even here, probably just to wreck cars.”
The comment drew replies from the NASCAR community, with one of the most notable one coming from Kyle’s elder brother.
Kurt Busch’s response to brother Kyle Busch
One of the most notable responses came from Kyle’s brother, Kurt Busch. Kyle Busch uploaded a photo of himself on Instagram, with the caption, “If only it was ’98… Really thought we had that one. Bummed but proud of our 8 group for sticking w it this wknd n giving us a real good backup car. Good things to come this yr.”
View this post on Instagram
In response, Kurt Busch commented, “Love ya bro, you deserved better.”
Read More: Kyle Busch Called a “D*uche” & a “Sore Loser” for His Apparent 4-Word Dig at Ricky Stenhouse Jr’s Daytona 500 Heroics
Meanwhile, the statement made by Busch was met with mixed reactions from fans on Twitter.
Fans have mixed reactions to Busch’s statement on Twitter
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Some fans appreciated Busch’s honesty and frustration, while others criticized his attitude. One fan tweeted, “I love Kyle being Kyle. Hope people appreciate his frustration of going 1st to 6th to finishing 19th.”
I love Kyle being Kyle. Hope people appreciate his frustration of going 1st to 6th to finishing 19th.
— Sports8 (@NASCAR1845) February 20, 2023
However, another fan found him to be a “sour-faced sore loser.”
Such a sour faced sore loser
— Ian Black (@IanBlack4141) February 20, 2023
Watch This Story: Watch Kyle Busch Avoids Serious Career-Ending Injury Which Nascar Fans Joke Joe Gibbs Paid For
I love @KyleBusch more every race 🤣
— Amy Ausburn (@AusburnAmy) February 20, 2023
Hope he’s just tired and not concussed.
— Evil Dallas🐶 (@evil_dallas) February 20, 2023
I love it! KFB always tells it like it is!
— Dashorn18 (@Dashorn117) February 20, 2023
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Why can’t he just say, I am truly grateful to be okay, mean it, move on!
— Dr. Kim Rocha (@drkrocha) February 20, 2023
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While Kyle Busch’s statement after the Daytona 500 may have been a product of frustration, it has sparked a conversation about the professionalism and sportsmanship of NASCAR drivers. We will have to wait and see if Kyle’s comments continue to blow up or subside with time.