Part Intimidator, part Waltrip, Busch keeps on winning

Kyle Busch isn't ready to play the good guy, but he certainly got a warmer reception at Richmond this year. Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS -- When Kyle Busch left Richmond International Raceway after last year's spring race, he needed extra security after spinning out race-leader and NASCAR hero Dale Earnhardt, Jr. late in the contest. Busch had become Public Enemy No. 1 in NASCAR.

When Busch left Richmond on Saturday, the only cause for security were the trophy and winnings he earned as part of a 24th birthday celebration that established him as the driver to beat.

Busch's third Cup win of the season has him in the top five in the standings. And while big brother Kurt Busch and Jeff Gordon have been more consistent, Kyle's driving style certainly is more memorable and often more exciting.

Busch drives with a no-fear attitude that is more reminiscent of the late Dale Earnhardt. And Busch's cockiness is a throwback to Darrell Waltrip in his prime. His versatility to win in any type of vehicle -- Cup, Nationwide, Trucks and even late models -- makes him a modern-day Bobby Allison.

If he climbed into an IndyCar and were successful, he would be A.J. Foyt.

And rather than sneak out the back gate to avoid the angry Dale Jr. fans, Busch was able to spin his tires at the start/finish line and take a deep bow after claiming the 50th victory of his NASCAR career (in all divisions combined).

Even the fans who despise Busch have to respect him as a race driver. When he passed Gordon late in the race to take the lead, he did it in a flamboyant style, passing on the outside. He did it where the little rubber pellets from the worn tires accumulate -- "where angels fear to tread".

But the devilish driver was able to make his Toyota Camry stick, and once he took the lead, he sped away from the field as if to prove he could have his birthday cake and eat it too.

The fans were so impressed that many of those boos turned to cheers -- or, maybe they still don't like Jeff Gordon.

"What I hear is more and more cheers," team owner Joe Gibbs said. "I think, generally, fans appreciate great effort. I think they appreciate somebody that's really, really good at something. I think that's what's coming across with Kyle. I think he's special as a driver. I see more and more T-shirts. We are picking up more and more 18s I think out there."

Busch's respect level continues to increase among his fellow drivers, as well.

"I've watched Kyle this week, raced with him Thursday night, got to watch him run last night and tonight," said Tony Stewart, who teamed with Busch all of last season while with Joe Gibbs Racing. "When you get on a string like he's on, you have so much confidence and momentum on your side. That means so much in this series."

There are some race drivers who accumulate victories by running smooth, almost lying in the weeds while other drivers make mistakes. But in Busch's case, he's like a snake ready to attack.

And that is something a certain segment of race fans root for.

"They enjoy racing here at Richmond," Busch said. "To make our car stick on the outside like that for the win really meant a lot. The fans enjoyed it. They saw a great race here tonight, I felt like. There was a lot of close action -- sometimes too close -- and sometimes it was a little spread out. But the cars are so equal here. Man, it's hard to find an advantage. You have to be able to make adjustments to your car that fits your driving style and to make adjustments to your driving to fit the racetrack a little bit."

So, is Busch ready to change roles from being the villain to the hero? Is he ready to be a good guy?

"I don't foresee that happening," Busch said. "As long as they're making noise, that's what matters most. They're coming out here and spending their hard-earned money to watch us all race, us 43 hooligans. That's up to them. It's cool they come out here and support and are so passionate about this sport the way they are. Whether they wear Combos colors, M&M's colors or Interstate colors, that's what it's all about. That's why it's so colorful, why the action is so great, why the sponsors are here.

"Whether it's one-finger salutes or thumbs-up or whatever, it's all good."

And in Kyle Busch's case, he's just plain good.

Strangest Sight Of The Week: Danica Patrick's Hat

Just to prove that Danica Patrick is everywhere, the IndyCar driver showed up on the Kentucky Derby pre-race show. Interviewed by Nancy O'Dell on NBC, she was dressed in her own version of Derby-wear.

The Kentucky Derby is as steeped in tradition as the Indianapolis 500, which means female attendees wear fancy clothes and even fancier hats. But in Patrick's case, her hat was huge with a brim that covered half of her face. This was the "Hanford Device" of women's hats. If it had flown off Patrick's head, it would have sent UFO hunters scurrying.

Patrick also is listed as No. 93 on the list of the TIME 100: The world's most influential people.

There were 208 nominees in the online poll.

Patrick received more votes than Oprah Winfrey, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, TV talk show host Bill O'Reilly, New York Yankees infielder Alex Rodriguez, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and CBS News anchor Katie Couric, among others.

"I'm humbled and honored to be on the list with so many other amazing people," Patrick said. "I'm grateful to have wonderful people around me that keep me grounded and in the moment. I know I don't say it often enough, but thank you for helping me achieve my goals and dreams while allowing me to be myself in the fast-paced lifestyle I lead."