Kyle Busch required to undergo sensitivity training after Martinsville interview

 

Matthew T. Thacker/Nigel Kinrade Photography/Motorsports Images

    Following a post-race interview with multiple reporters yesterday evening after the "Xfinity" 500 at Martinsville Speedway, Kyle Busch will be required (by NASCAR Officials) to undergo sensitivity training before the season opening "Daytona" 500 in February. 

In this post-race interview, Busch spoke of the aggressive tactics made by Brad Keselowski made in attempt to pass Ky. Busch in the final stretch of the race, ones Busch was clearly upset about as he used a derogatory term to describe the driver of the No. 2. Busch used the R-Word to explain the how unintelligent he felt Keselowski's moves were.

#NASCAR … Kyle Busch says of Brad Keselowski … “I should beat the 💩out of him” pic.twitter.com/aX2CiCkjkH

— Dustin Long (@dustinlong) October 31, 2021

While this term can be correctly used as a medical condition for those who are intellectually disabled, some might argue that it's improper use is to be considered morally wrong and offensive. 

Kyle Busch acknowledged his less than pleasant actions Sunday night, and apologized for them to his Twitter audience. Though sincere, this apology was not enough to keep Busch away from NASCAR's disciplinary action.

In one of my post-race interviews I used a word I should never use and I want to apologize for it.

— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) November 1, 2021

 Earlier this season, NASCAR set a precedent for how to respond to this type of speech when young NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Hailie Deegan used the same word in frustration. This occurred during an E-Sports event broadcasted live through the internet. Deegan underwent sensitivity training as a disciplinary action from the NASCAR sanctioning body.

It is not new for NASCAR to punish drivers and NASCAR personnel for vulgar, inappropriate, and derogatory language. For instance in 2004 Dale Earnhardt Jr. was fined $10,000 and 25 crucial points after he used the S-Word in response to a question in victory lane, following his race win at Talladega Superspeedway. This action from NASCAR was enough to end Earnhardt Junior's bid at the Championship as Kurt Busch would jump to the points lead. What is new is that NASCAR is now punishing NASCAR personnel for use of the R-Word. 

Watch out, if you are a notable figure working within the NASCAR garage, under these terms you can and will be held accountable for your language.