Kyle Busch finally finds victory lane in the NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 on Wednesday night at Texas Motor Speedway.
Three races remained heading into this past race at Texas Motor Speedway. With solid runs the previous week at Kansas Speedway, the top-four teams have built a solid foundation holding them above the cutline. This left the drivers of Martin Truex Jr. and Kurt Busch in must-win situations coming into the final two races before the Championship 4 race.
The First Stage
Kevin Harvick is on the pole to kick off the race, and took advantage of it. He holds the lead for the first 27 laps. After a caution involving JJ Yeley, Alex Bowman challenges Harvick for the lead. Bowman takes over the race after Harvick loses some control of his car in the second turn.
Shortly after, a caution comes out for the weather, putting the race on hold until Wednesday.
After patiently waiting for two days, the race kicks off with Clint Bowyer in the lead after he cycles to the front while pitting. Bowyer is able to dominate the first stage. He holds off Martin Truex Jr. in the closing laps and wins the first stage.
The Second Stage
Alex Bowman has a no tire stop during the stage break, and cycles back into the lead. The move for track position pays off as he is able to hold the lead for multiple laps.
Ryan Blaney takes control of the race halfway through the second stage. He is not able to hold it for long as Martin Truex Jr. quickly takes it away from him.
However, during a long green-flag run, Truex Jr. runs out of fuel. This gives the lead to Kyle Busch. Busch did not let up and rolls ahead to win the second stage.
Kyle Busch Finally Finds Victory in the Third Stage
Kyle Busch continues to set the tone through the final stage of the race. After a green-flag cycle, Clint Bowyer moves into the lead. Bowyer has to pit earlier in the stage, so he still has to come down pit road a second time before the end of the race.
Kyle Busch is right inside his pit window and does not force the issue with trying to pass Bowyer. Bowyer tries to hang on, but eventually surrenders his lead to come down pit road.
Kyle Busch takes over with Martin Truex Jr. tracking him down. However, Kyle Busch stops trying to save fuel and the race is on. Kyle Busch is able to hold off Truex Jr. and finally win his first race of 2020.
The Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 Results
Kyle Busch has been victorious in every season he has run in the NASCAR Cup Series. This is something that not many have done, and for him to continue the streak this far into his career is impressive. He was running low on fuel toward the end and had many sitting on the edge of their seats, and he was able to finish the job. The sense of relief was apparent, but unfortunately, this win means nothing more than just bragging rights at the moment. Kyle Busch was knocked out of the playoffs in the Round of 12 after the Charlotte Roval Race.
The NASCAR Cup Series Point Standings
As the playoffs wind down to the championship race, the points standings are beginning to spread some. At this point, Kurt Busch, Martin Truex Jr, Alex Bowman, and Chase Elliott all sit in a must-win situation heading into Martinsville. It is not a fun place for the drivers, but it adds a lot of excitement for the fans’ anticipation of a fun run at Martinsville. These four teams are gunning for the top spot, and if one finds the victory, it will throw a wrench into the final four going to the Championship 4 race at Phoenix Raceway.