“Doesn’t Add That Value” – After Axing Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren CEO Brutally Snubs Kyle Busch for Indy 500 Role

It takes a lot of courage to drop a big name, a serial winner from your team. Zak Brown brings that kind of ruthlessness with him. It was first seen in F1 when he mercilessly dropped Daniel Ricciardo, now the (un)lucky one is Kyle Busch.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Kyle Busch is not a novice on the NASCAR speedways. The American won the NASCAR Cup Series in 2015 and 2019, amongst many other championships wins. He is also the all-time wins leader in NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. A great CV and driver to have for any team.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

However, Brown wasn’t impressed. Zak Brown took over Sam Schmidt’s IndyCar team in 2020. His first major personnel shake-up in the team has come in the form of Busch.

BRISTOL, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 17: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Toyota, walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 17, 2022 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

When asked about his decision, he said “I have not personally spoken with Kyle Busch, but you can read into that someone in our organization has. We want to make sure if we run a fourth car, we are in the mindset that we have someone who is experienced in the Indianapolis 500.”

“It’s such an important race… If we have a fourth car, we want it to be additive to the three cars. Bringing in someone who has not done it before potentially doesn’t add that value from an experienced point of view.”

He added, “He is under consideration but has lack of experience. He has an awesome talent… but experience is at the top of the list when we decide what is going to be most important to us,” said Brown.

A major decision that could go either way. While Brown makes convincing arguments to back his decision, calling Busch inexperienced is a big call to make. Time will decide if the decision was worth it.

If not Kyle Busch, what options does Arrow McLaren have?

Kyle Busch had come up as a surprise candidate for AMSP for the IndyCar 500 after his move to Richard Childress Racing. Since that move looks unlikely for Busch, AMSP has some other names on their list.

FORT WORTH, TX – SEPTEMBER 25: Kyle Busch (#18 Joe Gibbs Racing Interstate Batteries Toyota) gets introduced during the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 on September 25, 2022 at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, TX. (Photo by Adam Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

As per reports, Tony Kanaan looks like the strongest contender for the spot on the team. He has raced in one IndyCar race this season, finishing a respectable third.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Other outside contenders for the team include Juan Pablo Montoya and Kyle Larson. Montoya has previously raced for the team and thus would get preference over others.

Larson on the other hand, has similar limitations as Busch – lack of experience. This makes the Californian an outside bet, at best.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch This Story: NASCAR Accused of Borderline Same Heinous Mistake as Tua Tagovailoa NFL Scandal With Hendrick Motorsports Star Alex Bowman

The reshuffle at Arrow McLaren makes for interesting viewing as we head toward the new season. It is going to be fascinating to see which driver the team chooses to go with.