Kyle Busch continues his NASCAR XFINITY Series dominance with his third straight victory, this time in Saturday’s Axalta Faster. Tougher. Brighter. 200 at Phoenix International Raceway.
Busch has won the last three XFINITY Series races, with Chase Elliott’s win at Daytona serving as the only contest that has eluded Busch.
Busch and his No. 18 NOS Energy Drink Toyota led 175 of the race’s 200 laps at the 1.022-mile track, first taking the lead on lap six. He briefly lost the lead twice: first to Ty Dillon for 11 laps after a caution on lap 101, and once more when he pitted and Brad Keselowski took the lead on lap 178 for nine laps.
Erik Jones, the Pole winner, finished second, and XFINITY Series points leader Daniel Suarez finished third. All three drivers are with Joe Gibbs Racing. Justin Allgaier finished fourth, with Elliott rounding out the top-five.
Jones’ pole award was his first of the season, and helped him lead the first five laps of the race before his teammate Busch made his move to the front.
“We didn’t sit on the pole but our teammates did,” said Busch. “They were obviously really fast and they made me run hard all day long. I mean, there was nothing left in this car. It’s all used up. Instead of having to go back to the shop and freshen her a little bit they’re going to have to rebuild it. It’s fun to come here and participate. I learn a lot and I do that for a reason in order to try and make myself better on Sundays and hopefully it helps.”
The race featured three cautions and four different leaders.
Now the XFINITY Series teams head to Auto Club Speedway for the NASCAR XFINITY Series 300 on Saturday, March 19th at 4 pm ET with television coverage on FOX Sports 1.