[autotag]Kyle Busch[/autotag] entered the Charlotte ROVAL in a likely must-win situation and came up just short of accomplishing that goal. Busch finished in third place despite climbing up as high as the lead in the Final Stage. Unfortunately for the No. 8 team, it wasn’t enough as the first-year Richard Childress Racing driver was eliminated from the 2023 NASCAR playoffs.
Even though it didn’t end in a Championship 4 appearance, Busch’s first season with his new organization should be deemed a success after winning three races. Following the event, Busch talked about not advancing to the Round of 8 following a horrid start to the Round of 12 at Texas Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway.
“The first two weeks of this round was obviously not very good, and we didn’t score any points,” Busch said. “That’s where it’s at. That’s where it lies. Texas, Talladega, just not being able to execute and do a good job when points were on the line. It sucks to be out this early, but let us do Texas over again, and I feel like we’re right there. We’re ready.”
Kyle Busch hits the wall HARD! #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/la33uhKQoX
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) September 24, 2023
“We’ve got our work cut out for us, but we’ll keep building, and first year at (Richard Childress Racing) means a lot to me for Richard having me and for the Chevy guys having me, everybody, to get this far. Again, rides on me to get to the next round, so I’ve just got to do a better job.”
An elimination in the Round of 12 was something that Busch didn’t expect after winning his third race of the regular season but that is the luck of the draw sometimes. It was a very positive year for Busch and Richard Childress Racing, and it’s not over yet. The No. 8 team will look to continue its good season with another victory over the next four weeks.
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