Kyle Busch has a reputation of being a villain. He added another chapter to that status when he blasted Garrett Smithley for an incident at last Sunday’s South Point 400. The Las Vegas native was trying to win at his home track in the first race of the playoffs when he tangled with Smithley.
Busch came up on Smithley, who was in the middle of the track. Busch made contact with him, and ultimately finished 19th. He was furious after the race. In a short interview with reporters, Busch said the only reason he was talking to them was so he wouldn’t get fined. He later calmed down enough to tell his side of the story to NBC Sports.
“I was told he was going to go high,†Busch said. “We’re in the top echelon of motorsports and we got guys that never won late model races running out here on the race track. It’s pathetic. They don’t know where to go.â€
Smithley who has run in 11 Cup races the past two years, defended his actions in a Twitter post.
“I am not mad at Kyle and I get his frustration. I wish that situation would’ve turned out differently but what happened happened. Nobody that is considered ‘in the way’ wants to be. We are simply doing the best we can,†Smithley wrote.
Driver Daniel Hemric Out
Richard Childress Racing announced that one its drivers, Daniel Hemric, would not be back next season. The company exercised its option and released the rookie Cup Series racer.
Hemric had competed in 27 events and had two top 10s. The first was a fifth at Talladega, and the other was a seventh at Pocono.
“Forever grateful to Richard & everyone at @RCRracing for the opportunity. I’m disappointed it ended like this, but we’ve got nine more races together & some team goals that are still within reach. I’m going to do all I can to make sure we get those & finish the season strong,†Hemric posted on Twitter.
Rumor is that defending Xfinity champion, Tyler Reddick will take over the No. 8 car.
This Week’s Las Vegas Odds, Pick
The second race in the Monster Energy Cup Series playoffs is at Richmond for the Federated Auto Parts 400. Las Vegas sportsbooks have Kyle Busch is the favorite at 3/1, followed by Martin Truex Jr. at 5/1. We like Denny Hamlin, who has won at the track three prior times, and is at 6/1.