Kurt Busch has sore hands after IndyCar tests

Kurt Busch

Kurt Busch got a feel for what 200 laps around Indianapolis Motor Speedway in an Indy car will be like when he ran 114 laps last Monday in preparation for the Indianapolis 500.

Busch, the 2004 Cup champion but an IndyCar rookie, is preparing to run both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. His training has included a mix of running, martial arts and other activities.

“It’s going to be upper-body strength," Busch told reporters Friday at Kansas Speedway. “On the physical side of it, my hands have been very sore after each of the (Indy) practice sessions just from the death grip on the wheel.

“I need to relax more and just let the car come to me instead of me forcing the car. So, it’s just getting comfortable with the driver controls and knowing where everything is around me."

“It’s neat to have a mindset to know where we’ll be and what needs to be done on both sides of the garage area," Busch said. “Mother Nature ultimately is in change."

The 35-year-old Busch said he is ready for the 1,100 miles in one day.

“It’s been a lot of fun to push myself through training, to work some martial arts thought processes as well," Busch said. “I hope that the IndyCar thing goes smoothly.

“I don’t need to be in a wreck or have my laps cut short up in Indy because it would be a disappointment in all the effort and training that I’ve given it."