NEW YORK (AP) – For anyone unhappy that Kurt Busch is the new Nextel Cup champion, Jack Roush has some advice: Get used to it.

Busch has built a reputation during his four years in NASCAR’s top series as a driver who would run over anyone else to get to the winner’s circle. That has brought boos from the fans and anger from competitors.

Now, the 26-year-old Busch is the champion, having overcome all kinds of roadblocks during the new 10-race playoff-style Chase for the championship to win the closest points battle in NASCAR history.

This week, Busch is in town reaping the benefits of that championship. He is making numerous TV appearances, visiting with New York firefighters and preparing to collect about $10 million at Friday night’s awards ceremony.

“It would be hard for anyone to wipe the smile off my face,” Busch said Wednesday after being honored by series sponsor Nextel at a midtown restaurant.

Team owner Roush, who won his first Cup title in 2003 with Matt Kenseth after going 16 years without one, now has two in a row and is one of Busch’s biggest fans.

Roush said the raw talent was always there.

“You know, going back to when Kurt first drove for our team, his first six or seven races, I think he spun out every race,” Roush said. “But each time he saved the car. He had an innate instinct to survive, and I don’t think that’s a learned thing.”