The Virginian-Pilot
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BROOKLYN, Mich.
Kyle Busch said he doesn't regret smashing the guitar after his Nationwide win last weekend at Nashville and chided Dale Earnhardt Jr. fans for criticizing him.
Busch created an uproar among fans by smashing the guitar - the trophy given to the Nashville Nationwide winner - like a rock star.
"I thought it was fun," Busch said. "A lot of people enjoyed it and thought it was different; sport's not so vanilla. A lot of people hated it, and I guess those are the ones with 88s tattooed on their arm. Or maybe still 8s. I've got no issues with (Dale Earnhardt) Junior, it's his fans that are crazy."
Earnhardt defended his fans, although he admits they don't really need it.
"My fans will handle themselves; they're good people," Earnhardt said. "We've got a lot of great fans that follow this sport and they're very loyal to us, and we need them more now more than ever. So I think anyone who would be calling them out and stirring them up is causing problems not only for himself but everyone else in this sport."
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FAST TIME
Brian Vickers earned his third pole of the season, tying Mark Martin for series honors this season. Vickers earned the pole with a lap of 189.110 mph. Kyle Busch qualified second at 188.536 mph. Jimmie Johnson (188.299 mph) was third, with David Reutimann (188.137) and Kurt Busch (187.950) completing the top five.
Jeff Gordon qualified 27th but will start at the rear for an engine change after blowing an engine in practice.
Mike Skinner was the only driver who did not qualify.
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STAYING PUT
Red Bull is expected to announce next week it has signed Vickers to a contract extension, according to general manager Jay Frye.
The 25-year-old, whose contract ends after this season, joined Red Bull in 2007 when the team debuted. He has been instrumental in the team's growth and enters Sunday's race 17th in the points.
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SENSITIVITY TRAINING
As part of his requirement to return to NASCAR, Nationwide crew chief Bryan Berry must attend sensitivity training.
NASCAR suspended Berry, crew chief for Brendan Gaughan, indefinitely for an altercation. Berry allegedly used a racial slur against driver Marc Davis, who is black, after last weekend's race at Nashville. Gaughan and Davis made contact on pit road during the race, stirring emotions.
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HELP FOR RAGAN
Chris Andrews, engineering manager at Roush Fenway Racing, will move to David Ragan's team for the next five races. Andrews will asses what changes need to be made to help the team and improve communication between Ragan and the engineering staff. Jimmy Fennig remains the crew chief.
Ragan, a preseason pick to make the Chase, is 31st in the points. He hasn't finished in the top 10 since placing sixth in the season-opening Daytona 500.
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PIT STOPS
NASCAR is looking at running the Car of Tomorrow next year in the Nationwide series in restrictor-plate races and road course events, although no final decision has been made.... Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear's economic incentives legislation includes plans for Kentucky Speedway provided Bruton Smith invests $30 million into the facility and gets a Cup date.
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Center of Attention!
You know he loves the attention! He's self-centered, arrogant, pompass, and in-your-face! You don't really have to understand people like that, just be able to identify and deal with them. You see them all the time! He won't change, because that's who he is. He likes it! Look for more of the same.
Too bad he didn't auction the guitar, and donate the proceeds in his teams name to a notable charity. Wouldn't that have made more sense than destroying it? But, I guess I'm not as smart as Kyle!