When Matt Kenseth launched his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career, back in 2003, he made quick work of establishing a fan base. He also made quick work of creating a successful tenure as the driver of the #17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford. Kenseth’s Sprint Cup career is loaded with highlights including a series championship along with 21 Cup wins and a very healthy career average finish ratio of 14.6.
However, somehow during all these years Kenseth got branded, by both the fans and members of the racing media, as being humorless. He was described as coming off very stiff during interviews. It was almost as if he kept reminding himself that he was representing Roush Fenway Racing, his sponsors and the Ford Motor Company so he had to choose his words very carefully. There were even some who harshly said that this driver was boring.
Kenseth proved them all wrong this past Wednesday in Las Vegas. While participating in a special appearance for NASCAR Champion’s Week, Kenseth ripped off some low key, but very funny, one liners that left a large crowd of fans in stitches.
The event was part of the “Fanfest” held on Fremont Street, the section of Las Vegas often referred to as “Old Town.” All 12 drivers from NASCAR’s 2011 Chase were on the stage, paired off in two man teams, to participate in an unusual redention of the television show “The Newlywed Game.” Making the game even more special was the fact that the event’s emcee was Bob Eubanks, the original host of the classic television game show, who presented the panelists with NASCAR themed questions.
One of the questions was: “who would you like most to bump out of the way on the last lap to win a race?” Most of the drivers picked Brian Vickers. That’s when Kenseth informed Eubanks that it was a trick question adding “because Brian Vickers would never be leading on the last lap.” The fan’s response was instant.
Kenseth’s game partner was Carl Edwards, his Roush Fenway Racing team mate. Eubanks asked Kenseth “what is the one thing about your partner that women would be turned off by.” With a smile on his face, Kenseth replied “Carl likes to look at himself more than he likes to look at her.” Again, instant reaction from the drivers and the fans. Even Edwards thought it was funny.
But the really funny line from Kenseth came when Eubanks asked the drivers “if you had a daughter, which NASCAR driver would you absolutely forbid her to date?” Several pointed at Denny Hamlin. The names of Brian Vickers and Tony Stewart were also mentioned. However Kenseth, without so much as batting an eye, replied “Danica.”
You just have to love a line like that. It’s also proof that Matt Kenseth’s sense of humor is alive and well.
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