How Cell Phones Can Make or Break You in NASCAR

I don't think anyone will dispute how much cell phones have the changed the world. And as we've learned in the past couple weeks, cell phones can make or break you in NASCAR.

During the celebrations in Las Vegas last week, NASCAR announced that it is extending its partnership with Sprint until 2016. This is just further evidence that the relationship between the racing series and the cell provider since 2004 has been mutually beneficial. Cell phones keep NASCAR's top series running.

But now it seems a cell phone might have brought an end to Kurt Busch's tenure at Penske Racing. Kurt is a good driver, evidenced by his 2004 championship. But unfortunately for Kurt, there's more to NASCAR (and other racing series, for that matter) than just driving. The best thing Kurt could have done was decline an interview at Homestead. Instead, he had his now-famous tirade with Jerry Punch. And thanks to a fan standing there with a cell phone camera, that tirade became viral.

So next time you pick up that cell phone, just think about how powerful it is.