(Nascar Insider Radio Segment)

Nascar has always had their heros like Richard Petty, but they've always had a love for the bad boys like Dale Earnhardt.

Many drivers become the stars of Nascar like Jeff Gordon, Bobby Allison, Terry Labonte, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. The guys that win, mostly good old boys with charm. But there's always been a love fest for the guys at the other end. Drivers like Darrell Waltrip (nicknamed "Jaws" because he ran his mouth so much), Dale Earnhardt (nicknamed "The Intimidator" because of his aggressive driving style), Ernie Irvan (nicknamed "Swirvin' Irvan" becuase of his fearlessness to drive a car 3 or 4 wide). Most of these drivers gained some love from the fans that once hated them. Waltrip was loved for his public display of the love he shared for his family by always having his wife & daughter present in victory lane, and support he showed for his little brother Mickey. Dale became the ambassador and voice for the drivers and his fatal accident had impact that is still felt today. Ernie won the fans by taking over after Davey Allison died in one of the most famous cars in Nascar history, the #28 Texaco/Havoline Ford. When he won his first race with Yates, he unzipped his driver suit exposing a Davey Allison t-shirt in an emmotional win.

Since the passing of Dale Earnhardt, Nascar has only had a few "bad boys." Some have tried like Kurt Busch, but Jimmy Spencer and his fist showed everyone Kurt wasn't deserving of that label. Jeff Gordon attempted at times to publicly display his anger, but hard to overcome years of driving with a rainbow on your hood. Even the cool flames didn't help since most now say, "See, I told you he was flaming!" By default the most recent Cup bad boy has been Robby Gordon. Gordon got his label by giving it to the man (the man being Nascar). Robby has shoved Tony Stewart, threw a helmet at Michael Waltrip (then called him a piece of $#it on national television), intentionally threw roll bard padding out his window at Atlanta causing a caution to keep from being lapped, but the action that got him in the "Bad Boy" category was during a Nationwide race at Montreal when Gordon ignored Nascar's orders and then paid back Ambrose by punting him off the track. To make matters worse, Gordon did a burnout beside race winner Harvick declaring his own victory ( basically giving Nascar the finger!). If you don't think being the "Bad Boy" gets love, think again. Last season at Daytona, Robby Gordon was docked and fined for having and unapproved nose on his Dodge. Not only did Gordon appeal, but he won his appeal. Sponsor Jim Beam, Dodge and thousands of fans wearing "Rally for Robby" t-shirts spoke loud and clear for support for Robby Gordon. Gordon has climbed in star power and fans showed it by placing Robby 2nd to Kasey Khane in the All Star Fan Vote. Not bad for a guy that's only won 3 Cup races. Robby had become the "other Gordon" and fans loved it.

Recently Robby announced his sponsor Jim Beam wouldn't return in 2010, then followed up by stating his team only had sponsorship for the first 8 races next season. What changed in just a few years? Robby is no longer Nascar's "Bad Boy."

The new "Bad Boy" of Nascar is Kyle Busch. He's hated and loves it. One of his "Bad Boy" highlights was destroying a Sam Bass painted Gibson guitar he won. Like a heavy metal band member, Kyle took the guitar and smahed it into the pavement. He doesn't mind rattling the cage of Nascar's star child Dale Earnhardt, Jr. He's not afraid to nose dive and put his car in harms way. He doesn't care if you are Tony Stewart or Jeff Gordon. He's quick to let his crew chief know if he doesn't think his car or crew is up to his standards, which resulted in Addington get replaced. His sponsors love him and he's become Nascar's true "Bad Boy". Unfortunatley, the "other Gordon" is maturing, chilled out and has been labelled the "true car owner/driver," but it doesn't have the appeal the "Bad Boy" label had. With Kyle being the Nascar Naughty Boy, the "other Gordon" is getting over shadowed and out of the lime light. While Kyle screams "Kiss My @ss!" with M&M's, Pedigree, Interstate Batteries & Snickers on his hood. Robby is trying to simply keep his doors open next season.

While there's no fued between Kyle & Robby, it certainly looks like Kyle in the end is hurting Robby Gordon.