M&Ms Abandons Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch will finish out the 2011 racing season without long-time sponsor M&Ms. The parent company, Mars Inc, announced on Thursday that they will not sponsor the #18 car with Busch at the wheel for the remaining two races in the NASCAR Sprint Cup division. M&Ms is expected to return to Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) in 2012 as primary sponsor.
"As a proud member of the racing community, Mars and the M&M'S brand strongly support the partnership we have with Joe Gibbs Racing and are committed to NASCAR. Yet, Kyle's recent actions are unacceptable and do not reflect the values of Mars," said Debra A. Sandler, Chief Consumer Officer, Mars Chocolate North America. "While we do not condone Kyle's recent actions, we do believe that he has shown remorse and has expressed a desire to change. We believe our decision will have a positive impact on Kyle and will help him return next season ready to win."
Joe Gibbs responded in agreement. "We strongly support Mars' decision," he said. "This gives us all time to work together to foster a positive change where Kyle can continue racing in a way we can all be proud of."
For the Phoenix race and the season finale in Homestead, Interstate Batteries, long-time sponsor for JGR will support the #18 Toyota.
Had the on-track assault in the truck race been by a driver of less talent, that competitor would be seeking employment elsewhere. This decision rests fully on Joe Gibbs shoulder. Kyle Busch has proven time and time again he is either unable or unwilling to change. Keeping him behind the wheel for the rest of the season robs the talented driver of consequences he could really sink his teeth into.
Busch had already lost the Z-Line sponsorship for the Nationwide finale in Homestead. Denny Hamlin is reported to be replacing Busch in that race.
Joe, you're not doing Busch any favors be mollycoddling his behavior. No driver should be too good to fire. Do the team and Kyle Busch a favor. Let him watch the rest of the season from the sidelines and hope he gets the message. He'll be a better team member for it.
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