Kaitlyn Vincie, a Fox Sports NASCAR broadcaster, recently spoke candidly about her past fear of interviewing Kyle Busch during an episode of Samantha Busch’s Certified Oversharer podcast. Samantha, Kyle Busch’s wife and Vincie’s longtime friend, hosted the conversation where Vincie revealed how intimidating Busch’s intense personality was to her early in her career.
Kyle Busch’s Aggressive Reputation and ‘Rowdy’ Persona
Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion, was known for his aggressive and hot-headed demeanor as a driver. This attitude earned him the nickname “Rowdy,” and it was precisely this relentless intensity that made Vincie anxious about interviewing him. When she first started reporting, she described Busch as so frightening that she would have preferred to speak with a dangerous criminal over interviewing him when he was upset.
“They’d be like, ‘You got to go get Kyle.’ I’m like, ‘No! Someone else do it. I don’t want to do it.’ Anytime I got that pull from the producer, sometimes I’d be like, ‘He’s not down here anymore,’ which was a lie.” —Kaitlyn Vincie
Learning to Navigate Interviews with Busch
Busch was known for not tolerating weak or repetitive questions, often responding sharply to reporters who did not meet his standards. Vincie shared that she quickly realized how crucial it was to ask the right questions to keep Busch composed. Despite his temper, Busch was willing to engage when handled carefully, and Vincie found a way to manage these interviews effectively.
She also expressed understanding of Busch’s frustration after races, especially when things did not go well and reporters approached him immediately. Vincie acknowledged that the pressure of speaking with the media in such moments can be challenging for any driver.
“So, I’m not blaming him for having the scary side,”
Vincie concluded.
Kyle Busch’s Past Outbursts and Their Impact
Busch’s temper has been evident in several high-profile moments. After finishing second at the 2017 Coca-Cola 600, he dismissed a reporter’s question with a sharp, “Nothing surprises me anymore. Congratulations,” before walking away abruptly. At the 2019 Las Vegas race, he gave short, irritated answers to repeated questions, visibly showing his annoyance.
In 2021, Busch faced significant consequences after using an ableist slur during a post-race interview, for which he issued a public apology and completed NASCAR-mandated sensitivity training. These incidents highlight why reporters like Vincie once found interviewing him daunting.
From Fear to Respect: Busch’s Changed Approach to Media
While Kaitlyn Vincie’s early encounters with Kyle Busch were marked by intimidation, the driver’s demeanor has evolved over time. For many in the media, Busch now presents a changed figure, much different from the “Rowdy” persona that once commanded fear and trepidation.
The shift in Busch’s attitude suggests a more cooperative and approachable future for reporters covering NASCAR, demonstrating growth in both personality and professionalism after years of contentious interactions.