This ogre not really that bad
In the world of the post-race interview, NASCAR drivers can be a bit colorful with their seething descriptions of whichever competitor has drawn their ire in that particular race.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. once called Todd Bodine a “cue-ball-headed fool.” Every time there’s a race at a road course, it seems, someone is referred to as a “human chicane.” In 2010, Joey Logano said Kevin Harvick’s wife “wears the firesuit in the family,” and Tony Stewart regularly rips both Goodyear and members of the media.
But it’s rare that the insults enter the world of fantasy fiction.
But after last Sunday’s Sprint Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Kyle Busch called Ryan Newman an ogre. Yep. An ogre. Apparently Busch was upset that a late-race wreck between Newman and Kurt Busch, Kyle’s older brother, had ended Kurt’s chance at winning.
“Ryan Newman is the biggest stupid idiot out here,” Kyle Busch said. “And he’s a big ogre and he can do whatever he wants because he can probably kick anybody’s butt, so no sense in getting into a fight with him. But glad he is out of a job.”
It was announced this week that Harvick will replace Newman at Stewart Haas Racing next season.
Newman wasted little time responding Monday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
“I’m sure if I rearrange his face I might fix it,” he said of Kyle. “He’s frustrated finishing third [actually second] or wherever he was after hitting me first and then giving me a little rub down the straightaway. Just imagine how I feel.
“It is what it is. We know he’s not very bright. He’s a heck of a talent, but not very bright.”
Newman stopped short of saying he would exact revenge from Kyle on the track.
“I never said that,” Newman said. “If he’s going to run his mouth, he better be able to back up running his mouth.
“It seems like after his comment about me not having a ride, it seems like he has way more to lose than I do.”
That said, Newman may look like a fullback, but he could never be considered an ogre. Better double check your Piers Anthony, Kyle.