Mark Martin, a NASCAR Hall of Famer known for his candid opinions, recently took to social media to remind fans of something many seem to have overlooked — just how impressive Kurt Busch’s IndyCar stint was. Responding to a tweet about Kyle Larson’s second crash at Indianapolis in a month, Martin seized the moment to praise Kurt’s achievements in open-wheel racing.
Mark Martin Highlights Kurt Busch’s IndyCar Skills
“I think we all forget how hard it is to drive a @IndyCar FAST,” Martin posted. “I think what @KurtBusch did is extremely underappreciated. Kurt was spectacular. His talent is underrated.”
Martin’s words sparked a wave of reactions from fans, some of whom agreed with his view and others who added their thoughts. For Martin, it wasn’t just about Busch’s raw speed but his ability to adapt to a different racing style.
In the IndyCar 500, the cars are lighter, faster, and far more sensitive to driver inputs. Busch’s ability to compete and perform well in such a challenging environment is a testament to his versatility as a driver.
One fan pointed out how, “Kurt also drove a lot of..less than ideal equipment in cup [Series] and got the most out of it. (Except for Penske. But how bad did that car have to be at that time for even Kurt to be as frustrated as he was…)”
Some had different views. As one wrote, “There is more talent right now in Indy, @KyleLarsonRacin qualified higher, led laps, and had he not sped on pit road, he most likely would have finished top 5. Kurt is a good driver, but nowhere near the talent of Larson.”
Another user weighed in on the incident being discussed, stating, “Mark, I haven’t seen the second wreck yet, but the first looked like he tried to throttle up. The EV generators weren’t charged, and throttle response wasn’t as quick as last year without the EV unit, but obviously, without data, who knows?”
Kurt’s IndyCar adventure wasn’t just a brief experiment. In 2014, he made his IndyCar debut in the Indianapolis 500. He came in sixth position. The performance earned him the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year honor.
For many NASCAR fans, Busch will always be known for his aggressive driving style, his fierce rivalries, and his memorable wins in the Cup Series. But for Martin, Busch’s legacy goes beyond just stock cars. His ability to switch disciplines and perform at a high level deserves recognition.