Kurt Busch moves past Kyle Larson to win at Kansas Speedway in the NASCAR Cup Series AdventHealth 400 on Sunday afternoon.
With just one week left till the all-star break, the NASCAR Cup Series moves on to Kansas Speedway. The series is now at the halfway point of the season and the race is on for many to secure the few remaining playoff spots. A handful of drivers are on the bubble looking for a chance to sneak in with a win. It is one race at a time, and the challenge to win continues at Kansas.
The Front Row is Christopher Bell and Tyler Reddick
Christopher Bell and Tyler Reddick claim the front row to start off Sunday’s race. Bell shot out to an early lead, but it was short-lived as Reddick made the pass on lap ten. Reddick held down the lead for 24 laps before being passed by Kyle Larson.
Right as Larson claimed the lead, BJ McLeod spun around on the front stretch, bringing out the caution. Christopher Bell cycled back to the top spot under caution, and he had a great restart to take sole possession of the lead.
With twenty laps remaining in the first segment, Daniel Suarez spun out coming off turn four. Erik Jones did not pit under caution and claimed the lead for the restart. This move did not pay off as Kyle Busch roared passed him with fresh tires.
Busch led the remaining thirteen laps to win his first stage of the year.
Kurt Busch Prevails in the Second Stage
Many different leaders took a shot at leading the race Sunday and coming off the first stage break it was William Byron. He passed Ross Chastain on the restart but unfortunately had a tire go down 25 laps into his campaign.
Kurt Busch claimed the lead while Byron was trying to make it back to pit road. During the green flag pitting cycle, Kevin Harvick spun out re-entering the track bringing out another caution.
Kurt Busch took the lead once more on the restart and led the remaining 29 laps to win the second stage.
Kurt Busch versus Kyle Larson
Throughout the early part of the third stage, Kurt Busch and Kyle Larson battled hard for the lead. The two jockeyed back and forth before Kurt Busch took control.
Busch continued to dominate the final segment through a caution involving Chase Elliott. With 38 laps remaining, the last caution of the day came out with potential fluid on the racetrack. Kyle Busch held the lead on the restart, but he was passed on the first lap by Kyle Larson.
Kurt Busch Moves Past Kyle Larson to Win at Kansas Speedway
Larson held the lead for 24 laps before having to contend with Kurt Busch with eight laps remaining. Busch was able to slide by with ease and it was over.
Kurt Busch fended off Larson to claim his first win of the season at Kansas Speedway.
23XI Scores First Victory of the Season
Kurt Busch won Sunday in an impressive fashion, and this victory should spark hope for 23XI Racing. This win not only is Busch’s first on the season but is his third top-five finish of the year. The victory is the first this season for 23XI.
The NASCAR Cup Series Point Standings
One of Kurt Busch’s struggle points this season is leaving races early due to accidents. He has been running well, but in a handful of races, he has been caught up in wrecks that he just cannot avoid.
Sunday’s race was the perfect example of Kurt Busch’s talent, and he took advantage of the day. Busch led 116 laps starting in the second stage to the end of the race. Once he moved into the top five, he stayed in contention. And when the opportunity was right, he moved to the lead.
Busch battled the best in the business between his brother Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson. This race shows the capabilities of Kurt Busch and the rest of the 23XI team.