[autotag]Kyle Busch[/autotag] needed a good run at Nashville Superspeedway, and it seemed like it would finally happen. Busch was running in the top 5 spots before a late caution with two laps to go produced NASCAR overtime. The driver of the No. 8 car was caught up in an accident before being placed back in fourth place. Yet, Busch wrecked out soon after and finished in 27th place.
Following the event, Busch talked about his heartbreaking race at Nashville, which now places him a staggering 104 points below the playoff cut-line after Joey Logano’s win altered the bubble.
“I’m proud of everyone on the Zone team and at [Richard Childress Racing for their effort today,” Busch said. “We struggled early, but our guys kept making changes to our Zone Camaro throughout the race. Randall Burnett made great calls to put us in position to score a top-five finish. Those cautions at the end of the race and into overtime really worked against us because we were close on fuel.”
KYLE LARSON DOESN'T GO.
KYLE BUSCH CRASHES AND IS OUT.
WE'RE GOING TO QUADRUPLE OVERTIME IN NASHVILLE ON USA NETWORK AND THE NBC SPORTS APP. pic.twitter.com/U8vASYiJyj
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) July 1, 2024
“On that last restart, we were fourth when the No. 5 [Kyle Larson] ran out of fuel just ahead of me, and I had nowhere to go. It’s frustrating for sure, but we’ll bounce back next week in Chicago.”
Busch’s mission for the next seven weeks is now clear. The Richard Childress Racing driver must win a race to make the 2024 NASCAR playoffs. It’s not a true must-win situation yet, but this is the best path forward for Busch. Gaining 104 points on the playoff bubble in seven races will be hard, making the No. 8 team push for wins now.
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