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Fans Worried About Kyle Busch Facing Prison as NASCAR Eyes Potential Return to International Waters

Published 05/07/2024, 12:36 PM PDT

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For most of its 76-year-old history, NASCAR has remained confined within American borders. The last time its top-tier series ventured outside the USA was between 1996-1998 when a couple of exhibition races were held in Japan, 33 years after initial plans to build a replica of the Daytona International Speedway by Japan NASCAR Corporation faced a setback. 

In recent events, NASCAR has axed the idea of two yearly visits to a few tracks: Dover, Fontana, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pocono, and Texas. Richmond too could soon join this list. We say that because of the buzz surrounding the possibility of an international destination for the race’s spring edition. Bubba Wallace’s spotter, Freddie Kraft, dropped a huge bomb that unlike most, may not be good news for Kyle Busch.

International deal may spell danger for Kyle Busch

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In a recent episode of ‘Door, Bumper, Clear, Bubba Wallace’s spotter, Freddie Kraft, had this to say about the 2025 season: Next year… Richmond is gonna lose a date. I think they’re gonna lose a date to Mexico City.” Talks about an international Cup Series race have been ongoing for quite some time but fans have reasons to believe Kraft’s words here. Here’s why.

Back in January, NASCAR Vice President, Chad Seigler told Motorsport.com, “For years we said we want to go outside the U.S. and race, and you’ve seen us move from the messaging of it’s not a matter of if, but a matter of when.”

In contrast to the sensational years [1998-2010] when the Virginia short track was known for its reputation as ‘The Action Track, Richmond currently struggles with a downfall in attendance and competitiveness. Now, given LA hosted the NASCAR Mexico Series this year and the ideal weather conditions in the North American country, Mexico City looks poised to replace Richmond’s spring race.

But it looks like it would take a lot more than Mexico’s incredible food to get Kyle Busch into the country. In early 2023, the then-winningest active driver in the Cup Serie had cemented enough reason not to return there.

While boarding a private jet to return home after a Mexican vacation at Airport Cancun International, officials discovered a .380 caliber pistol with six hollow-point bullets in Kyle Busch’s bag, according to a statement by the Attorney General’s Office. He was then sentenced to 3.5 years in a Mexican prison while also being fined $1,100. Fortunately for him, Busch never actually went to prison. But the fact that he managed to avoid this penalty remains a mystery to the fans. In his statement, Busch, who was very much back on US soil, apologized, 

“When departing the country, my handgun was flagged during routine screening at the airport. I have a valid concealed carry permit from my local authority and adhere to all handgun laws, but I made a mistake by forgetting it was in my bag.”

I apologize for my mistake and appreciate the respect shown by all parties as we resolved the matter. My family and I consider this issue closed.

Busch claiming that the case is closed leaves very much to the imagination that the Mexican authorities have an eye out for Kyle Busch so they can arrest him. However, this is not what the fans have chosen to believe. After knowing about the possibility of NASCAR flying out to Mexico next year, the faithful brought forth some crazy conspiracy theories.

NASCAR fans have a more pressing matter than worrying about one less race in Richmond 

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There was much-needed edge-of-your-seat drama at Richmond this year. Martin Truex Jr and Kyle Larson led 372 of 407 laps, only to let Denny Hamlin outsmart them in the end. So, scrapping one of two Richmond races that are as thrilling as they can get, racing fans seem to completely skip this reality as worrying over Kyle Busch takes the better of them.

Far from the fact that the case is closed, an insider confirmed a day after Busch was presented on the court that he won’t face any NASCAR penalty for the incident. At present, fans are worried that Kyle Busch may be at risk of incarceration in Mexico. One fan stated his concerns: “Good pick, though I’m concerned with the legal status surrounding Kyle Busch.

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Another fan suggested what the RCR driver might be doing. “KFB requesting a waiver from NASCAR as we speak.” When asked how Busch was able to drive a damaged car to get a top-5 finish at Texas Motor Speedway in 2020, Busch gave a one-word response, “KFB”, which stands for “Kyle, Feed Brexton!” 

Then came the hilarious takes. One fan wove a stealthy solution for Busch. Making his NASCAR debut for Richard Childress Racing in Mexico, introducing Byle Kusch. Another fan took a dig at the team owner, who might make things worse. Richard Childress just gonna show up to Mexico with an arsenal.”

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If that was not enough, one creative fan hilariously brought all the ideas to life and drew up a solution that would allow Busch to enter the country with no issues.

The NASCAR community is racking its brains over Kyle Busch’s ordeal. But do you feel the fans’ fears are deep down genuine? If yes, the RCR driver must be kicking into a plan of action as you read this.

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Written by:

Sumedha Mukherjee

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Sumedha Mukherjee is a NASCAR Writer at EssentiallySports who is known for her in-depth track analysis as well as her lifestyle coverage of Cup drivers like Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick. Inspired by the Kiwi's journey so far, Sumedha has also written extensively on Shane Van Gisbergen, predicting how the Supercars Champion would do in the new and unfamiliar American setting. Pairing her research skills with her vast experience as a writer, Sumedha creates stories her readers can easily get lost in.
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Edited by:

Jacob Gijy