Editorial: Busch parked for reckless driving

Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2005 | 9:20 a.m.

The recent reckless driving arrest and subsequent suspension of NASCAR champion and Las Vegas native Kurt Busch may leave some to wonder whether arrogance and elitism are creeping into another professional American sport.

Busch, 27, was cited Friday night after a Maricopa County (Ariz.) Sheriff's deputy saw him race around a slower-moving vehicle and blow a stop sign, traveling 60 mph in a 45-mph zone, sheriff's officials said.

Deputies reportedly smelled alcohol on Busch's breath, the Arizona Republic reports, but he refused to complete field sobriety tests and berated one of the officers, saying he "ought to be directing traffic," then asking, "Don't you know who I am?" Machinery used on a later breath test malfunctioned.

Roush Racing ream president Geoff Smith suspended Busch from Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International and from next weekend's season finale at Florida's Homestead-Miami Speedway. Busch joins Penske Racing South next year.

The suspension came after Roush consulted Busch's sponsors, which include Crown Royal whiskey, the moniker emblazoned across the rear of Busch's car. Smith told reporters that any hint of alcohol being involved was reason enough for the suspension.

But Smith also called Busch's actions "the last straw." Busch's aggressive driving and arrogance have drawn criticism from other NASCAR drivers and elicited outright boos from fan-filled stands.

A huge part of NASCAR's appeal is that fans can see themselves in these drivers, who typically are more accessible than other professional athletes. But there isn't anything to emulate or admire in a driver who thinks fame gives him the right to endanger others on public streets. Like it or not, pro athletes are role models. And we don't need any more bad ones.