Anticipating the excitement that Kyle Busch can provide

By Mike Smith (contact)

Monday, Jan. 5, 2009 | 8 p.m.

As I impatiently await the start of the 2009 Sprint Cup season, I can’t help but think back to how I used to look forward to the beginning of the racing season, largely because I was anxious to watch Dale Earnhardt negotiate the tracks on the circuit. His bull-in-a-china shop racing style made watching races fun and he always left me waiting for the next race to see what he would have in store. I still believe one reason that core fans have lost some interest in the sport is because Dale Earnhardt is no longer here to provide the excitement we all crave.

Thinking about Dale made me realize something else. I’m anxiously waiting to see what kind of energy Kyle Busch provides this season. Now, before you start criticizing me for trying to compare Kyle to Dale, let me assure you I have no intention of comparing a Sprint Cup career that is still in its infant stages to the career of a seven-time champion. But you have to admit, love him or hate him, Kyle does add a level of excitement to the action on the tracks.

I didn’t think Kyle would win a championship in 2008 because I thought his immaturity would get in the way of his ability to stay focused on winning the Sprint Cup. That wasn’t the case since it was largely mechanical issues that sunk his championship bid. But given how he drove in 2008, there’s every reason to believe that he will be steering with his rear wheels even more in 2009.

Tony Stewart also has the proven capability to put me on the edge of my seat, but I’m not expecting much from him with his team that’s basically being rebuilt from the ground up.

If Jimmie Johnson takes the crown for a fourth consecutive time it will be good for Hendrick Motorsports and the record books, but it won’t be good for Sprint Cup racing. A rerun of the last three seasons is the last thing this sport needs as television viewership and race attendance decline. We need a season that can overcome the dull racing that the COT, cookie-cutter tracks and repeat championships would provide. Kyle’s just the driver to remove the restrictor plate from what could be a lackluster season.

The only thing that could create more excitement would be a serious championship bid by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

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