CHICAGO — Kyle Busch showcased his resilience at the NASCAR Cup Series Grant Park 165 on Sunday, overcoming a mid-race spin and a pit road penalty to secure a fifth-place finish at the Chicago Street Course.
The two-time Cup Series champion, driving the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, navigated a chaotic 2.2-mile street circuit to deliver a strong result despite early setbacks.
The trouble began on Lap 25 in Turn 11, where Busch was clipped by Kyle Larson’s No. 5 Chevrolet in a tight braking zone, sending Busch spinning from 16th to the back of the pack. The incident, which also dropped Bubba Wallace to 32nd, added to the race’s frenetic pace. Busch’s day worsened when he incurred a speeding penalty on pit road during Stage 2, further complicating his strategy. The penalty forced the No. 8 team to rethink their approach, with crew chief Randall Burnett opting for an aggressive tire strategy to regain track position.
Undeterred, Busch leaned on his road course prowess, ripping through the field in the final stage. His Chevrolet showed impressive speed, particularly on fresh tires, allowing him to climb from the rear to the top five by the checkered flag. Posts on X praised Busch’s recovery, noting his ability to “haul” through the field despite the setbacks. The 39-year-old driver credited his team’s adjustments and the car’s handling for the rebound, saying he was “ripping” on the final run.
The Chicago Street Race, won by Shane van Gisbergen, was marked by multiple cautions and strategic gambles. Busch’s spin wasn’t the only drama; a Lap 3 pileup and a late-race restart saw several contenders, including In-Season Challenge participants, sustain damage. Busch avoided further trouble, capitalizing on a clean final stint to secure his fifth-place result. The finish marked his first top-10 since Darlington, a critical boost as he sits 20th in the standings, 72 points behind the playoff cutline with eight regular-season races remaining.
Busch’s performance underscored his reputation as one of NASCAR’s most tenacious drivers. Despite a winless streak stretching to June 2023, his charge through Chicago’s tight corners showed he remains a threat. With upcoming road courses like Sonoma and Watkins Glen, Busch and his No. 8 team are poised to build on this momentum in their quest for a playoff berth.
Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson got tangled up on Sunday, in case you missed it.
Kyle Busch, man, what a drive.
