Surely, Kyle Busch earned his 101st NASCAR XFINITY Series win at Road America. (Photo: Mike Moore/The Podium Finish)
Above all else, Kyle Busch adds to his illustrious NASCAR XFINITY Series record even after an eventful Henry 180 at Road America. In this case, Busch applied the spurs to his No. 54 M&M’s Toyota Supra with some fresh Goodyear rubber.
Certainly, Busch, seemingly the master of overcoming adversities, rallied from a stage 1 tangle with Justin Allgaier along with some off road excursions. Moreover, the 36-year-old Las Vegas native proved relentless even after some close calls in stage 3.
Notably, Kyle Busch’s car sported some battlescars from the close, intense on track action at the 4.048-mile road course. In other words, Busch’s winning ride adds to a future Lionel Racing “Raced Version” diecast for collectors next year.
Similarly with last Sunday’s Cup race at Pocono, Busch made his moment count even when others shined early on. Granted, AJ Allmendinger made a strong case for pursuing his third XFINITY Series win of 2021 as he swept both stages.
However, as Busch pointed out after his victory, fresh tires prevailed.
Likewise, Kyle Busch raced like Max Verstappen at Red Bull Ring. (Photo: Mike Moore/The Podium Finish)
“Obviously, tires, that was the saving grace for us,” Busch said. “We had a set of tires left over and (Allmendinger) didn’t.”
Much like past XFINITY races at Road America, the Henry 180 delivered with paint trading, close quarter action.
At the same time, as in the case of Busch’s past XFINITY starts, the hardy racer delivered with the last word in the final stage.
“When we did put our last set of tires on, I wasn’t sure we’d be able to get through that many cars,” Busch observed. “I don’t know what happened on those last couple of restarts. I couldn’t really see what was happening. We were fortunate to get by that stuff and get through that stuff without any damage to our race car.”
Other than the No. 54 car sporting a crinkled in front clip, Busch kept up with Allmendinger and Austin Cindric. two of the strongest road course racers. Indeed, consider Busch’s strong fifth place result in stage 2.
By all means, Busch’s top five finish, along with the fresh tires, equipped him for his ensuing battle for the win. Ultimately, Busch captured his 200th win with Toyota Racing.
Burn ’em down! (Photo: Mike Moore/The Podium Finish)
“A lot of people to thank,” Busch reflected. “So, Mark McFarland, the ARCA team, they came and helped me this weekend. Chris Gayle, all of the XFINITY Series shops, all the guys and girls that help prepare all these cars. This is a fifth entry so this is a lot.
“And then also, this might sound weird, but Joe Nemechek and John Hunter, they’ll know why. Obviously, it was really unique to have the opportunity to run this race and get ready for (Sunday). I hate that I tore up my Cup car but I think we’ll still be fast. So, hopefully (Sunday), it’ll look a lot like this day.”
For a man known as “Rowdy,” the two-time Cup champion possessed grace and gratitude after a challenging, rewarding Saturday.
To the victors goes the spoils. (Photo: Mike Moore/The Podium Finish)
Henry 180 Top 10 Finishers
Kyle Busch-Hemric-Annett-Allmendinger-Harrison Burton/Harvick-Herbst-Cindric-Gragson-Haley
