NASCAR: Busch, 18 team feted at White House

Kyle Busch and the defending Sprint Cup Series champions were honored by President Barack Obama on Wednesday at the White House in a ceremony marked by several pointed jokes.

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"There were some people who thought we were going to see a Bush back here in the White House this year," Obama joked, referencing former Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush. "But they didn't know it was going to be Kyle –especially after he broke his leg and his foot at Daytona and missed the first three months of the season."

The President of the United States traditionally honors each of the major sporting champions and NASCAR is no exception. Bush was joined by crew chief Adam Stevens, wife Samantha and Joe Gibbs Racing team president Dave Alpern.

Busch presented Obama with a replica race helmet, and the Commander in Chief responded by asking what the 31-year-old really pumped through the air hose.

"Some really good stuff," Busch quickly quipped.

Obama also wanted to take the championship-winning Toyota Camry for a drive but said both the Secret Service and First Lady Michelle Obama would forbid it – the latter because M&M's were not a healthy snack option like a carrot.

For his part, Busch was also in an upbeat mood, making a joke of his own in a Twitter video.

Lastly, Obama also recognized the off-track work the Busch family does off the track with their various charitable foundations.

"For Kyle, it's not what he does on the track, it's what he does off the track," Obama said. "Kyle and Samantha are working hard to make a difference for folks all across the country. They donate wedding gowns to military brides, help couples afford fertility treatment and covering expenses for those battling breast cancer."

Busch captured his first Sprint Cup championship with five wins last season, including one in November at Homestead Miami Speedway in the NASCAR Championship Race. Busch missed the first 11 races of the season due to injuries sustained in February 2015 in the Xfinity Series opener at Daytona.

He is again one of the 16 Sprint Cup playoff drivers still eligible for the 2016 championship.