TC Daily Pit Stop: Kyle Busch Issues Statement on January Firearm Arrest, Martha Jarrett, Jarrett Family Matriarch, Passes Away, and Post-Race Stories from the Clash

TC Daily Pit Stop: Tuesday, February 7th, 2023

Joseph Srigley

Feb 7, 2023

PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Parks / HHR / Chevy Racing

Kyle Busch, a two-time champion of the NASCAR Cup Series, revealed on Monday via a social media statement that he was arrested and detained at Cancun International Airport in Mexico for the inappropriate possession of a firearm at the end of January.

The statement from Busch, who finished third in Sunday’s Busch Light Clash at the LA Memorial Coliseum, reads as follows:

“In late January, Samantha and I enjoyed a several-day vacation in Mexico. When departing the country, my handgun was flagged during routine screening at the airport. I have a valid concealed carry permit from my local authority and adhere to all handgun laws, but I made a mistake by forgetting it was in my bag.”

“Discovery of the handgun led to my detainment while the situation was resolved. I was not aware of Mexican law and had no intention of bringing a handgun into Mexico. When it was discovered, I fully cooperated with the authorities, accepted the penalties, and returned to North Carolina. I apologize for my mistake and appreciate the respect shown by all parties as we resolved this matter. My family and I consider this issue closed.”

Martha Jarrett, Matriarch of Jarrett Family, Passes Away

PHOTO CREDIT: Gregg Forwerck, Getty Images

Martha Jarrett, the matriarch of the Jarrett family, which includes NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees Dale and Ned Jarrett, passed away on Sunday, February 5, according to a statement from the family.

“Sadly, the family of NASCAR [Hall of Fame] member Ned Jarrett announces the passing of his beloved wife Martha, who died peacefully Sunday, February 5, with family by her side,” the official statement reads. “Ned and Martha spent 67 years together, in complete love and devotion. At this time, the family requests privacy.”

Ned Jarrett, who captured a pair of NASCAR Cup Series championships in 1961 and 1965, was married to Martha for 67 years, during which time the couple had two children, Dale and Patricia Jarrett in 1965 and 1969, respectively.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Jeffrey Earnhardt (Learning from his past and pushing to build his own legacy)

In a 49-minute exclusive interview, Jeffrey Earnhardt doesn’t dodge any questions. The grandson of the legendary Dale Earnhardt talks about his emotions of his grandfather’s team being shut down several years ago, what happened with his iK9 deal a few years ago, how he is primed for a full-time season with Alpha Prime Racing and a lot more. The interview is available exclusively for paid subscribers of the TC Daily Pit Stop.

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‘It Sucks Giving Them Away’ Ryan Preece Kickstarts Career Rebirth with Strong Run in LA Clash

PHOTO CREDIT: Nigel Kinrade, NKP, Courtesy of Ford Performance

A seventh-place finish in Sunday’s Busch Light Clash at the LA Memorial Coliseum marked an important milestone in the career of Ryan Preece, one that has nothing to do with numbers or statistics.

It won’t add another top-10 to his resumé in the NASCAR Cup Series, and the laps led won’t aid in raising his career total, but the performance by Stewart-Haas Racing’s newest driver, without a doubt made a significant impact.

Although Sunday marked his debut for Stewart-Haas Racing, the Berlin, Connecticut-native isn’t a rookie by any stretch of the imagination, having competed full-time from 2019 to 2021 with JTG Daugherty Racing.

During that three-year stint, Preece’s results were, well… underwhelming – scoring three points finishes outside the top-25 and only nine finishes inside the top-10, four of which came on tracks other than Daytona or Talladega.

However, after he was ejected from his seat, things took an unorthodox turn.

New-Look RCR Impresses in Kyle Busch’s First Race With Team

PHOTO CREDIT: Jim Fluharty, HHP, Courtesy of Chevy Racing

Sure, it was just one race — an exhibition race at that. But Richard Childress Racing came out guns blazing in Sunday’s Busch Light Clash at the LA Memorial Coliseum, Kyle Busch’s first race with the team.

When the dust settled from Martin Truex Jr.’s victory in the Clash, the RCR duo was right there with Busch’s former Joe Gibbs Racing teammate on the podium. Truex was awarded the special gold medal for the win. Austin Dillon brought home the silver medal. Busch had the bronze medal draped around his neck.

“We were damn close to starting it off right out of the gate,” Busch stated. But even with the near-miss for RCR, there was a lot to be proud of at the end of the night for Dillon and Busch.

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A guest post by

Joseph Srigley

Managing Editor of TobyChristie.com | Founder of Srigley Stats