Busch Makes Cup Debut at Vegas

LAS VEGAS (March 7, 2004) – Kyle Busch returned to his hometown of Las Vegas for his NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series debut on Sunday, but it didn’t go as scripted. Busch, who started 18th in the No. 84 CARQUEST Chevrolet, picked up two positions on his first-ever NEXTEL Cup lap before brushing the Turn 4 wall less than three circuits into the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway thanks to a tight-handling race car. Just a few laps later, the 18-year-old again made contact with the fourth-turn retaining wall, flat-siding his Chevrolet. After taking the car to the garage, the team was unable to return to the event, finishing 41st after completing 11 laps. “We started off the race extremely tight and I touched the Turn 4 wall twice in those first few laps,” Busch said. “The first time, I just nudged it, but I pretty much flat-sided it the second time. We were actually loose in practice, so I’m not sure how to explain it. I literally had my arms crossed, trying to make it turn and not go a lap down. “It’s not the way I wanted my first NEXTEL Cup race to play out, but we’ll put it behind us and come back strong with the CARQUEST Chevy at Texas next month.” Even with a less-than-perfect finish, Busch enjoyed his homecoming week in Las Vegas -- where he grew up, attended high school and cut his racing teeth at the LVMS racing complex. “Overall, it was a great experience,” Busch said. “Coming home to race in front of these fans was just awesome. They treated me so well all week, I just can’t say enough. “My family and I really appreciate everyone that came out to support us. I promise to give them a better show the next time around.” The No. 84 CARQUEST Chevy will next take the track at Texas Motor Speedway on April 4 for the Samsung/RadioShack 500. The race will be broadcast live by FOX (1 p.m. ET) and the PRN (12:15 p.m.).