Since his debut in the Cup Series in 2004, Kyle Busch has become one of the most successful yet polarizing drivers in NASCAR. He has won 61 Cup races, as well as the 2015 and 2019 Cup Series Championships. He is known for his aggressive driving style, fiery personality, and on-track rivalries with other drivers. With all of that already in place, on April 09, 2023, Kyle Busch added yet another massive milestone to his name at the NASCAR Cup Series start at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Kyle Busch Claims a New Milestone at Bristol Speedway
When the solid green flow flew at Bristol this past Sunday, Busch added another feather to his cap by making his 650th NASCAR Cup Series start at the Speedway.
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Busch’s milestone has been met with a lot of praise from his fans, who recognize the hard work and dedication it takes to reach this level in the sport. Many have taken to social media to congratulate him and express their admiration for his accomplishments.
However, some fans and analysts have compared Busch’s milestone to that of Richard Petty.
The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion is considered to be one of the greatest drivers of all time. Petty’s record of 1,185 race starts is a record that many thought would never be broken. However, Kyle Busch has now made 650 starts in his Cup Series career, bringing him within striking distance of Petty’s record.
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Fans Divided Over Kyle Busch and Richard Petty Comparison
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Just as it was expected, the fanbase was divided over the Busch-Petty debate. While a fan was quick to praise Busch for his achievement and said, “Reminding people that his 200+ wins are far more impressive than Petty’s” another replyed, “no, just no.”
‘True, you can’t tell me Petty didn’t have the most cheated up car in existence every time he was on track’
“Petty Raced against Plumbers”
“Richard Petty didn’t race in a competitive era of NASCAR, Petty wouldn’t have the wins or championships if he raced today, no matter where the money came from, they’re all real race drivers.”
Others were more skeptical, with some even going as far as to suggest that Busch’s numbers were inflated due to the modern era of NASCAR. A Fan said defended Petty and said, ‘He also won 7 championships and 7 Daytona 500’s. He raced against real races. Pearson, Allison, Yarborough & Waltrip. Kyle Busch raced against rich kids who would be nowhere near a race track if mommy and daddy didn’t pay their way’
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“Richard Petty’s wins are more significant because they were real. Kyle Busch is an entertainer.”
Several others also agreed with fans’ sentiments when they expressed, ‘I suppose if you’ve never heard of any NASCAR Driver before 2010, yeah he’s pretty good. Wouldn’t have made the Bush Series in the 80’s’.
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Kyle Busch’s 650th NASCAR Cup Series start is a significant achievement and one that deserves recognition. However, the comparison to Richard Petty has left the NASCAR fanbase divided. While some argue that Busch’s achievements put him in the same league as Petty, others feel that the comparison is premature and unfair.
Ultimately, only time will tell how Busch’s career will be remembered in the context of NASCAR history.