Kurt Busch, NASCAR Cup champion and racing legend, has grown up in the spotlight with both his famous Dad and famous brother racing. His family is to racing, what the Kennedy's are to politics.
Kurt is all grown up now and settled happily into his life with his beautiful wife Eva whom he obviously adores. Besides having fun racing, Kurt is very generous about giving back to the community.
Kurt shares his champion attitude (and some racing tips) with us in this more personal interview with him.
Gabrielle Reilly: Do you have anything you regret doing and would have rather done differently?
Kurt Busch: Life is too short to look back. I grew up in racing so fast that the microscope, from the media, exposed me in a vulnerable way. If I had to do it over again, I would set a longer timetable to reach the top level of motorsports. Problem is, when opportunity knocks, you have to knock the door down.
Gabrielle Reilly: I usually get to this question with my guests since it took me a few years to understand this process myself. how do you handle the good, the bad and the ugly of being in the public spotlight?
Kurt Busch: I live in a fishbowl. There are always people tapping on my glass. Some try to get the best of you; some bring out the best in you. When I was new to the scene, I made plenty of mistakes. As time has worn on, I am able to use the past to help me with current obstacles. There are many qualities that come with being famous, there is also a responsibility.
Gabrielle Reilly: What attributes are most important to be the fastest driver possible?
Kurt Busch: A heavy right foot is the most important. (HAHA) Being able to make the quickest lap time lap after lap is the driver toughest to beat. Maintaining a high level of concentration along with focus is what good drivers all share. As well as anticipating moves of other drivers is key.
Gabrielle Reilly: For all those young aspiring NASCAR drivers out there, what words of advice could you offer them that you think would be most valuable?
Kurt Busch: The most important rule is to have fun. My father and I spent countless hours together building, setting up, and preparing the car, before we even went to the race track. Learning how to set the car up and understanding all of its components are key to success.
Gabrielle Reilly: What was it like growing up with your father racing and how has it all changed since then?
Kurt Busch: My father was a mentor, coach, and my best friend. Even through all these years, we will still discuss racing as if I am the student and he is the teacher.
Gabrielle Reilly: I know you enjoy giving back to the community what is your favorite cause?
Kurt Busch: Being able to make a difference in any way brings satisfaction. It can be as small as putting a smile on a child's face, to stopping by the soup kitchen, to building a world class indoor sporting facility for generations of kids to enjoy. I live a privileged life with great benefits, so it's always easy to get involved and give back.
Gabrielle Reilly: Do we have any hope of you following in Hélio Castroneves's footsteps doing the Fox Trot as a competitor on "Dancing with the Stars?"
Kurt Busch: I have two right feet. Just ask my wife. I believe there is no chance you will see me on "Dancing with the Stars". Great question.
