Recently 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Kurt Busch
revealed big news on the TV show “Fox and Friends”. He announced that he would
be attempting “The Double”, competing in the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola
600 in full, on the same day.
That is 1,100 miles in a 10 hour period between two
different race tracks (Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor
Speedway) separated by more than 400 miles. In addition Busch will be racing in
two cars that couldn’t be more different: an open wheel IndyCar and a NASCAR
stock-car. This is the ultimate challenge of strength and versatility for a
driver.
While it has been attempted five times by three different
drivers (John Andretti, 1994; Tony Stewart 1999, 2001; and Robby Gordon 2002,
2003), only Tony Stewart (2001) has completed every lap. Because of the
demanding conditions the three-time NASCAR champion was on IV fluids while on
the plane ride to Charlotte.
“There is going to be a full-on workout regimen that I am
going to be full tilt the next three months with”, Busch said. …To do 1,100
miles in the same day, it’s not just the physical side, it’s the mental side as
well.”
“Core strength is probably the most important key… just
having the ability to stay in the seat and be able to stay hydrated, stay
focused. The mental side is big but the physical strength of the upper body and
what drivers have to go through to challenge themselves to stay on top of their
game.”
As Busch talked about the lofty undertaking, he looked
relaxed… smiling… almost like he was happy to be there. Is this Kurt Busch?
What happened? Where is the guy who was constantly in scuffles with other
drivers and strongly despised the media? That Kurt Busch is well on his way out
the door as the new and improved one is stepping in.
What could have helped the 35 year-old go from nearly losing
a spot in NASCAR completely, to joining one of the top teams in the sport
(Stewart-Haas Racing) and attempting to achieve one of the most strenuous feats
in motorsports? The source seems to be his girlfriend and President of the
Armed Forces Foundation Patricia Driscoll. In the few years they have been
together, Busch has made a change for the better, both in his personal and
professional life.
The two have a deep passion for one thing: Helping injured
military veterans receive the help they need as they return to their civilian lives.
It is an exceptionally worthy cause and exactly why Busch is doing “The
Double”.
“It’s Memorial Day weekend, I mean this isn’t just a PR
stunt. I have been working with the Armed Forces Foundation the last three
years and to build attention towards our troops and their PTST (Posttraumatic
Stress Disorder) struggles, traumatic brain injury. I’m doing this for the
troops.”
The Las Vegas native has become a spokesmen for the foundation,
holding an annual tournament called “Busch Whacked”. It is a mud run, with a
military style flare that has raised more than $250,000 in its two years done.
With his newest endeavor to raise awareness of the cause, he
encourages Americans to support and give to the Armed Forces Foundation which
is as easy as texting 50555 to “AFF”.
On May 25th American motorsports fans will be
keeping an eye on Kurt Busch, the fourth driver to attempt “The Double”. With a
new outlook and a great cause motivating him, he may just become the second to
achieve it.
