Best Buy to Roush..AJ gone? Kurt to RPM?

Today started a landslide of rumors in the Cup series when retailer Best Buy announced that they would move to Roush Racing in 2012. Best Buy will sponsor Carl Edwards (sponsor magnet latley) for 2 Cup races and Matt Kenseth for 9 races.

 

RPM followed a statement wishing Best Buy luck in the future and confirmed they will have 2 teams in 2012.

(earlier statements regarding AJ's future hinged on Best Buy returning, but with Kurt Busch being available it appears that RPM will have Busch in the 43 car)

 

Penske Tweeted they would wait on their decision to find a driver for the #22...adding "this week AJ was added to our list"

 

Most reports appear to link Kurt & RPM have a verbal deal for 2012 and working on sponsorship (Best Buy was plan "A") ... Penske likely to have AJ or David Ragan in the #22 with Shell.

 

The other ride of interest would be the #51 team with Reutimann, AJ, Ragan and Busch as potentials.

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Permalink Reply by Matt Gruber on December 20, 2011 at 2:18pm

How many more times is Richard Petty going to sell his soul to the devil to try to keep his head above water? I still have a hard time imagining Roush/Ford allowing RPM to bring Busch in, but we'll see.

 

I hope Penske hires AJ, and I only wish he could take Greg Erwin with him. That combo makes the Chase, IMO.

Permalink Reply by chase on December 20, 2011 at 3:08pm

I don't think hiring KB is a mistake at all. They will win a race next year if they do. How is that a loss? Sounds like exactly what RPM needs to make the Chase.

Permalink Reply by Vlad Rogers on December 20, 2011 at 3:16pm

I agree partially with both of you... its a bad idea because KB is a weeny, and everybody hates him... but on the other hand, homey can really steer a car around a track.  If I was RPM, Id go with a winner... the long term investment would seem a little stronger. 

Permalink Reply by Vlad Rogers on December 20, 2011 at 2:56pm

That would be amazing for AJ. 

Permalink Reply by Tooltime on December 20, 2011 at 3:36pm

Where is the lesson here for KB? There is not one! I cant believe the King has the patience to put up with a schmuck like KB.....

 

Permalink Reply by Vlad Rogers on December 20, 2011 at 3:39pm

The lesson is, hes going to a shizzy team... Penske wasnt the greatest, but RPM is well down the ladder.,

Permalink Reply by Bigzoom on December 20, 2011 at 7:01pm

You can believe ANYONE who hires Kurt will have clear written expectations in their contract. Kurt has alot of value as a driver, but his liability is at all time high too. Just like buying car insurance...higher monthly premium = zero tolerance!

 

 

Permalink Reply by Vlad Rogers on December 20, 2011 at 7:08pm

I hope he smarts off to Richard Petty like he did to RP... that would be cool. hahaha

Its no secret RPM cars arent the greatest, I cant wait to listen to his radio during the races (If he goes to RPM)

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Permalink Reply by Tooltime on December 20, 2011 at 7:24pm

I can see the King calling KB on the radio during a race and telling him to bring the car to the garage to have a little meeting if KB acts up.

Permalink Reply by chase on December 21, 2011 at 9:07am

Could also be AJ isn't that great. Kasey Kahne won in the red bull car he and Speed departed. A great driver can get 95% out of a 70% car. Just remember, he jumped into the 97 when it was the worst team Roush had and won races. R Wallace didn't win many if any races his last few years and KB jumped in the 2 and won races.

Permalink Reply by Matt Gruber on December 21, 2011 at 10:03am

I'm not disputing that KB is a talented driver. I am just saying that I don't think he is so much better than other drivers that he justifies the baggage he brings with him. Talent isn't worth a damn if you don't make the most of it, and KB can't get out of his own way right now. Until he gets his head clear and his life straightend out, he's no better than 20 other guys out there.

 

If someone wants to bring him in on a short leash -- as others have suggested -- that makes sense, but RP has always gone on and on abou how clean the Petty Brand is. Of course, he also reversed his life-long stance against beer sponsorships in recent years, too.

 

And like I said, I think Jack Roush is going to have to be consulted before KB gets the 43. I think we'll see AJ in the 22, Ragan in the 43 and Kurt on the sidelines to start the year. I have heard people talk about the 51, but James Finch doesn't take lip from anyone.

Permalink Reply by Lance on December 20, 2011 at 7:45pm

When is the last time RPM/Petty Enterprises had a top 5 driver employed there? Not since Richard's prime...this opportunity won't come along ever again....

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