CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 19: NASCAR driver Kurt Busch sings take me out to the ball game during the Milwaukee Brewers Chicago Cubs game on September 19, 2011 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
There's happiness in the fall air for Kurt Busch this year, and it's not just because he's one of 12 drivers still alive in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.
This year, for the first time since 2008, Busch's beloved Chicago Cubs made the Major League Baseball post-season. Not only that, for the first time since 2003, the Cubs actually won a playoff game.
In an elimination round Wednesday night in Pittsburgh, the Cubs prevailed 4-0 in a one-game, winner-take-all matchup with the Pirates to advance to the National League Division Series.
And Busch was there to see it person.
"This year reminds a lot of 2003, when the Cubs were making a run through the playoffs," Busch told FOXSports.com in an exclusive interview. "But we had to get in. We've only played one game, but it's been tremendously exciting to watch this incredible young team, being led by the manager (Joe Maddon). It's really an exciting year, but I've got to stay focused on the Chase and so I don't if I'll have a chance to go to another game."
Now, the Cubs tackle the hated Cardinals, who beat the Cubs on opening day.
"I went to opening day, feeling the energy, feeling the vibe," said Busch. "It was neat to go to an opening day. It was against the Cardinals. They beat us, and I knew they were going to beat us. But we have come a long way in one season. We're playing loose right now and I like the whole vibe out of everybody."
But Busch isn't the only driver with baseball fever. These guys are all-in too:
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.