NASCAR drivers are fearless competitors, conquering the track with unwavering determination. Behind the wheel lies a deeply personal journey for each driver. And as the spotlight dims once the race is over, it is behind the scenes that drivers face unique challenges. But such challenges are borne in silence as others can take advantage of any show of weakness.
The degree of stress that comes along with competing in the Cup Series often gets morphed into anger. In a short film created by FOX Sports, Busch talked about the repercussions on the mental health of drivers to meet expectations. As the helmet came off, Kyle Busch shared his painful past with the media.
Kyle Busch’s psychological struggles in the fast lane
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FOX Sports created a short film, titled “Driver Pressure” in which NASCAR drivers were seen opening up about their struggles in the racing world. The video features several prominent drivers, including Kurt Busch, Martin Truex Jr, Bubba Wallace, and Austin Dillon. Among them, we can see a contemplative Busch reminiscing about his early racing days.
According to Rowdy, they were always told to suppress any issues related to mental health. From a young age, drivers are fed the adage that talking about their mental health can compromise their reputation. As there are several others waiting in line to take over if they see the other person cracking under pressure. Evidently, such threats run deep within the NASCAR grid.
In the video, we can see Busch responding to the question, “What did I Give up to be here?” He said, “I didn’t really have a whole lot of friends … just went to school, did my work, went home, worked in the garage.”
Now this may seem like a joke, but all with the intentional wrecks and fistfights we have seen over the years, who can say otherwise?
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Kyle Busch blames his genes for his emotional outbursts
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In the past, Kyle Busch has even claimed that his genes were to blame for his sporadic emotional outbursts. One such incident happened at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2017 when he furiously dropped the microphone during the post-race press conference.
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Busch has committed multiple such offences throughout his career. In 2011, during a Truck Series race at the Texas Motor Speedway, he purposefully crashed into Ron Hornaday Jr while under caution. As a consequence, NASCAR banned him from participating in the Xfinity and Cup Series races for the remainder of the weekend.
The personal and professional battles he fought while pursuing his racing dreams reveal the emotional toll that NASCAR can take. Busch discussed the coping mechanisms he has developed to navigate these challenges. He highlighted the crucial support of his family and close friends in helping him maintain a healthy mindset.
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The #8 Chevrolet driver shines a light on the hidden battles faced by drivers behind the scenes. Busch’s revelation is a call to action, urging the racing community to prioritize mental well-being. NASCAR should offer support systems for drivers to openly address their psychological challenges.