Editorial: Busch has a mandate

Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2004 | 8:57 a.m.

Figuratively, and literally, Kurt Busch's bid to be this year's NASCAR champion almost came apart very early during Sunday's Ford 400 race at Homestead, Fla. His wheel fell off just 93 laps into the race, but, as he has done all season long, Busch battled back. Although Busch fell to the 28th position after the mishap, he persevered, finishing fifth in the race and giving him just enough points to become the champion of the Nextel Cup series.

The rise of the 26-year-old Busch, who was born in Las Vegas and grew up here, is nothing short of meteoric. He only started racing in NASCAR's Winston Cup series (now named the Nextel Cup) in 2001, but he already has captured the top prize in his sport, something that other successful drivers can go their entire careers without achieving. Busch's brashness on and off the track hasn't endeared him to fellow drivers and fans -- a large number of spectators booed him this year. But Busch demonstrated more maturity as the season drew to a close, a maturity that certainly was pivotal in winning the championship and that quite possibly will help him secure greater respect from fans and competitors alike.

Busch now joins the ranks of other homegrown Las Vegans who have reached the pinnacle in their sports, such as baseball pitcher Greg Maddux, who almost certainly will be inducted into the Hall of Fame, tennis great Andre Agassi and Olympic gymnast Tasha Schwikert. It's lofty company to keep, but Busch certainly has earned a place there.