NASCAR Star Kyle Busch Is Already Pessimistic About His Chances of Running for Office
Every Sunday during the Cup Series season, NASCAR fans currently see Kyle Busch in his bright yellow racing uniform.
The time may come where Busch trades his racing wear for a black or gray suit. In this time of activism and social change, many athletes are either forming political campaigns or taking a stand in what they believe in.
Could Busch be the next professional athlete to pursue a career in politics? If he does indeed run for office, don’t expect him to be too confident about his chances.
Kyle Busch isn’t optimistic about winning a political race
Professional athletes and sports figures have always found ways to transform their power and voice into political careers.
Ex-Tennessee Titans linebacker Colin Allred is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Former Auburn head football coach Tommy Tuberville is now the junior U.S. Senator from Alabama.
Could NASCAR star Kyle Busch eventually join them in the political ranks? The answer is complicated.
In a 2020 interview with The Athletic, Busch explained why he intends to stay away from creating his own political campaign.
“I would run for it, because I think I can do a good job on fixing some problems around the world and making it a simpler place for people. However, I don’t think I could get the votes because of who I am, so I’ll probably not run.”
Busch’s take and lack of confidence is interesting, if only because of how many former sports figures have found a home in politics.
Many ex-athletes have gone into politics over the years
If Kyle Busch ever changes his mind and decides to run for office, there’s no shortage of athletes-turned-politicians.
Longtime Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jim Bunning served in the House of Representatives from 1987-99. Bunning then became the U.S. Senator for Kentucky, a role that he held through 2011.
Former Rutgers tight end Cory Booker is a Democratic senator for New Jersey. Anthony Gonzalez, who spent several years with the Colts, became a U.S. Representative in Ohio in 2019.
Former NFL draft bust Heath Shuler found a home in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2007-13. Pistons legend Dave Bing was the Mayor of Detroit from 2009-13.
Knicks great Bill Bradley was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball of Fame in 1983. Four years earlier, Bradley had been elected as a senator in New Jersey.
Kyle Busch hasn’t had an ideal start to the 2021 season
Before he ever enters a political career, Kyle Busch has plenty left to do in NASCAR — and that includes turning his 2021 season around.
Busch hoped to win the Daytona 500 before he found himself involved in the Joey Logano-Brad Keselowski crash on the final lap. The two-time Cup Series champion instead finished the Great American Race in 11th place.
Busch placed 17th at the O’Reilly Auto Parts 253 a week later.
According to Odds Shark, Busch had +800 odds to win the Homestead-Miami Speedway Dixie Vodka 400 as of publication. Denny Hamlin led all drivers with +450 odds.
Betting odds courtesy of Odds Shark as of Feb. 28, 2021.
