by Larry McReynolds

Comment

Larry McReynolds: It would certainly be a concern, but still, if I were an owner right now with a solid sponsor, I'd be sleeping on that kid's doorstep until I could make something happen. I have heard that he wants a phenomenal amount of money. Is he worth it? Probably. But you've got to make sure that you can afford to make the deal and still have money to go out and be competitive for a 36-race schedule.

As an owner, I would sit down with him in a polite, gentlemanly, but to-the-point way. I'd say, "Kyle, we've got to be mature about some things. We've got to quit walking with this chip on our shoulder. We want you to be outspoken and real. We want you to show your emotions. But don't get out of a race-winning car and say, 'This car sucks.' It makes no sense. Don't get out and say, 'My crew chief screwed up, but the good thing is I only have to put up with him for four more months.' For the sake of our race team, our teammates, our sponsor and the fans, we're not going to do that. If you've got a beef, let's get behind closed doors and fix them. If we don't fix them, so be it. Have at it. Open season. But don't go public.' "

Although it's a different organization, a similar situation went down at Dale Earnhardt Inc. last winter when Teresa Earnhardt went public. She questioned Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s focus and commitment to driving. The minute I read her quote, I knew it was the beginning of the end of that relationship because it just won't work without trust.

Kyle Busch has so much talent, whether he's in a Busch car, a Craftsman Truck or a Cup car. He's the closest thing that I've seen to the late Tim Richmond. The kid has more car control than the law allows, but he's got to learn how to control his emotions and the things he says. He's a great kid, and sometimes we forget that he's only 22 years old. But he's in a big-man's sport so he's got to act like a big man.

R.C. is right for K.B.

Duane from Ohio: You mentioned that you thought Kyle could use someone to wrap an arm around him and guide him. I've read in the past that some have tried, and he is just resistant to coaching and guidance. What are your thoughts on that?

Larry McReynolds: It has to happen. He needs it. He's got to have a hands-on owner. That's why someone like Richard Childress would be awesome for him, and Busch could learn from the example of a current RCR driver. From 2001 to 2003, Harvick was totally out of control, and three things got his attention. Childress, NASCAR parking him at Martinsville after a Craftsman Truck race in 2002 and owning a race team with his wife DeLana. Now, Harvick sees things that he hadn't see back then.

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Driving for Dale Earnhardt Inc. may not be good because they just don't have someone like Childress. I know they've got president of global operation Max Siegel and director of motorsports Richie Gilmore, but Kyle needs an owner to wrap his or her arm around him and say, "We're in this boat together, buddy."

I'd give anything in the world to be a Nextel Cup car owner right now. Without tooting my horn too loudly, I believe that I could get my arms around this guy, and we could fix these things that happen a little bit on the track but a lot off the track.

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FOX race analyst Larry McReynolds has more than 25 years of NASCAR experience as a mechanic, crew chief and broadcaster. He and his fellow Crew Chief Club members take you behind the wall at www.crewchiefclub.com.

"How to Become a Winning Crew Chief" is on bookstore shelves, or you may order your own autographed copy from www.DWStore.com.