[media-credit id=50 align=”alignright” width=”308″]
[/media-credit]Earlier this month, Kyle Busch Motorsports announced that Joey Coulter would drive for them full-time in 2013 in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. When the announcement was made, Coulter spoke of making the move to become a champion.
“Since I was 8 years old, winning races and championships in one of NASCAR’s top three series has been a dream and a goal of mine — I feel that joining KBM gives me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to accomplish those goals,” Coulter said in the press release. “They are a team that has a winning attitude and have proven numerous times that they are capable of getting to victory lane. It is an honor to be given the chance to bring them their first driver championship.”
Considering that Richard Childress Racing has been one of the teams in contention for the championship the past two years, it was a surprise to many to see Coulter make the move. However, it is the right move for the 22-year-old driver.
Throughout his first two seasons at RCR, he has been kept in the shadows as the “second driver” to one of the Dillon brothers – Austin in 2011, Ty in 2012. It is no question that Richard Childress will give his grandsons whatever they need to succeed as they are family and the future of the organization. However, is Childress putting too much focus on his boys?
Last season, Austin Dillon claimed two wins, 10 top fives and 16 top 10s in 25 starts to win the championship. This year, rookie Ty Dillon has claimed one win, seven top fives and 17 top 10s with one race to go while he sits third in points, 12 behind James Buescher.
Last year, Coulter scored no wins, five top fives and 13 top 10s in 25 starts during his rookie season. Now in his second season, Coulter has one win, seven top fives and 14 top 10s while sitting fourth in points.
With Coulter’s statistics not matching that of the brothers, one could question it is due to running second-tier equipment to them. A shot with another team is a way for Coulter to see if that is the case and if partnering with a team where he’s the number one driver will work.
Richard Childress let Clint Bowyer go following last season from the Cup Series. The idea was to make it at three-car team, so therefore the fourth car would be open for Austin Dillon to move up into. Bowyer went to Michael Waltrip Racing and currently sits third in points. Is Childress losing talent that could possibly bring him a championship over the boys?
There are already multiple sources confirming that Kevin Harvick will be going to Stewart-Haas Racing in 2013 after a poor season this year. Is this also a result of Childress’ focus on the brothers?
Regardless whether the decision lies to deal with the Dillon brothers, Coulter is moving to a team that presents a solid opportunity for him. In KBM’s three seasons competing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, KBM has registered 17 victories, eight poles, 38 top-five and 56 top-10 finishes across 87 starts. In 2010, the No. 18 team became the first to win the Owner’s championship in its inaugural season since the Truck Series originated in 1995.
Now signing Coulter will allow KBM to take their program to the next level and contend for a driver’s championship.
“With the addition of Joey Coulter to KBM’s Truck Series program for the 2013 season we have accomplished our goal of having a talented young driver competing full-time for a driver’s championship,” owner Kyle Busch said. “Joey has been running up front, competing for wins this year and we feel like he is ready to have a breakout year. With the personnel we have in place at KBM and the support we receive from Toyota, we’re going to do everything possible to make sure that he is in a position to bring home a championship next season.”
