Party time: Kyle Busch wins Richmond Cup race on 24th birthday
By Rea White - Associate Editor
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Joe Gibbs Racing's Kyle Busch won Saturday night's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway.
Sam Cranston
NASCAR Scene
RICHMOND, Va. – Love him or hate him, one certainly can't argue the talent Joe Gibbs Racing's Kyle Busch showed in winning Saturday night's Crown Royal/Russ Friedman 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Busch continued to show his trademark strength on restarts and to battle through the field when needed en route to his second win in as many nights at the Virginia track.
The night was a showcase of shifting leads and spinning cars - everything that short-track races are noted for. Fans remained on the edge of their seats, uncertain of who would take the lead. While several drivers enjoyed lengthy runs at the front, no one truly seemed to be dominating the event.
As the laps wound down, the racing got more aggressive at the front. Cars spun more regularly and drivers found themselves racing three wide on the .75-mile track from time to time. And Busch worked his magic.
He took the lead for the final time on lap 352 and held on to win on his 24th birthday. He led a total of 53 laps in the race.
Stewart-Haas Racing's Tony Stewart finished second, followed by Richard Childress Racing's Jeff Burton, SHR’s Ryan Newman and Hendrick Motorsports' Mark Martin.
Joe Gibbs Racing's Denny Hamlin was stout, but the tone for his night was set when he lost the lead early on a pit stop and then struggled to get back in the front. He would do so on more than one occasion, but he couldn't manage to hold that position to the end. He led 148 laps on his hometown track, but finished 14th.
On lap 212, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing's Martin Truex Jr. emerged from pit road in front of the pack, with Newman on his bumper. It didn't take long before Newman dispatched of Truex to take the lead. Hamlin was third and holding for a while, but moved to second on lap 240. He regained the lead on lap 249.
And then it happened again. During an ensuing caution for debris on the track, Hamlin once more lost position on pit road as three lug nuts fell off the right-front tire and then he emerged in eighth.
Newman moved back to the front and led 43 laps over the next few segments, though he traded the lead with others from time to time. Busch showcased his restart skill once more. He whipped to the outside of Newman and moved to the front on the lap-299 restart. Newman moved back alongside Busch and eased back into the lead on lap 303.
In the midst of a flurry of late cautions, Hendrick Motorsports’ Jeff Gordon took the lead with a gutsy call to stay on the track when most of the leaders pitted on lap 308. Gordon held the lead as the pace of crashes picked up and slowed the green-flag action.
The lead-lap drivers grew increasingly anxious. Penske Racing’s Kurt Busch nudged Bobby Labonte on lap 354, sending him spinning into the frontstretch grass. And Gordon maintained his lead, once more benefiting from a series of caution laps.
And then there was that pesky Busch on a restart. He stormed outside and around Roush Fenway Racing's Carl Edwards on the restart on lap 350, a repeat maneuver of the Nationwide race at the track Friday night. And then he set his sights on Gordon. It took a little longer, but on lap 352 he slipped to the inside of Gordon and into the lead.
Edwards, who had recovered from an earlier spin and appeared on track for a top-five finish, began to slip back. He continually lost position over the race's closing laps.
The cautions started early, though the initial incidents were minor. The first segment of the race was fairly clean, with only single-car accidents and then things started getting a little more wild. Penske Racing's David Stremme hit Edwards and spun him. Roush Fenway's Jamie McMurray also spun in the incident. McMurray then came to pit road, but was ruled to be down a lap and held there for a lap as a penalty, sparking some anger.
A few laps later, Stremme pushed Roush Fenway's Matt Kenseth into the wall, but no caution came out.
Meanwhile, Hendrick Motorsports' Jimmie Johnson was developing problems with his brakes. Further back in the pack after an earlier penalty for speeding on pit road, Johnson then got loose and spun to cause a caution period beginning on lap 193. He came into the pits and was directed to restart at the tail end of the lead line. When he failed to do so, he was called in for a pass-through penalty and found himself outside the top 30 and three laps down.
Then things started getting a bit more heated. On lap 212, Hendrick's Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned into Jeff Burton and sent his Richard Childress Racing car into the wall. Then Kyle Busch and Red Bull Racing's Brian Vickers had some minor contact.
It picked up from there on in.
On lap 314, Busch slowed, then Joey Logano tried to slow and Stewart tried to miss him. The chain reaction ended when Martin spun and was hit by Truex. Then another accordion-style crash ignited and left Stremme in the wall and Johnson in the garage. Kahne also incurred significant damage in the incident. Cautions would slow the race a few more times, but only Stremme would visit the care center.
"It was quite a night," Burton said.
Busch led 53 laps in the race and became just the second NASCAR driver to win on his birthday. Cale Yarborough did so twice in his career.
Gordon, who finished eighth, resumed the series' points lead. He now has a 10-point lead over Kurt Busch.
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44 responses to "Party time: Kyle Busch wins Richmond Cup race on 24th birthday". Post a Comment.
Bernie said:
May 2, 2009 at 11:33 PMI quit watching the race with about 50 laps to go. I was getting sick of watching all the bone head 'strategy' calls that the crew chiefs were making. None of them worked and the 18 drives into victory lane again. I could puke!
Susan Morledge said:
May 3, 2009 at 12:47 AMAhh Bernie, so sad. If you quit watching it with 50 laps to go how did you know Kyle would win? Face it folks, the kid is good. And happy birthday Kyle you deserve it. To all you Kyle haters, here's a thought... why don't you find out what he's really like? Oh, I forgot.. there is saying that goes something like this "What will keep a man in everlasting ignorance? Contempt prior to investigation" so until all of you haters find out what he is really like you are all a bunch of narrow-minded, ignorant hmmm what word should I put here? I really don't want to lower myself to your level so the word would be people!!
Harry Risher said:
May 3, 2009 at 1:57 AMGood pair of wins KYLE! I notice the Jr. "Fans" are still booing,cussing,and throwing stuff when Kyle wins. May be if they will compare the WIN RECORDS since Hendrick released Kyle for Jr.--it's something like 27-8 wins for KYLE VS one lucky fuel mileage win at Michigan for their "Hero" in all divisions in Nascar! Jr. Fans--THINK: May be KYLE is MORE talented--FACTS DO NOT LIE!! May be you are booing the wrong driver! KYLE has proven himself a REAL WINNER--NOT a WHINNER living off someone else's reputation. JUST UNEMOTIONALLY LOOK AT THE RECORDS/FACTS-and THINK BEYOND SENSELESS EMOTION !
Will said:
May 3, 2009 at 3:47 AMI find it hilarious how Kyle was lambasted and called every name in the book by the redneck Junior fans after what happened in last year's race, but when Junior did the EXACT same thing to Burton tonight, oh, it's just a racing deal. Too funny. And I hope that whoever threw the ice or whatever that was on Kyle when he was grabbing the checkered flag from the official was identified and properly punished. Knowing how they run things at RIR, I'd say it's a safe bet that it'll be a lifetime ban. Just a complete lack of class. Not surprising though.
Dona Hudson said:
May 3, 2009 at 6:40 AMGreat race I expect to see some Jr fans bashing Kyle in the article.The article is about Kyle remember before you do that thou.The kid has talent like you said the records show that.The bashers will realize that some day.
going2heaven said:
May 3, 2009 at 7:22 AMWhat a great birthday celebration! Way to go, Kyle!
Tom Collins said:
May 3, 2009 at 9:38 AMDona it's already been started by post 3 so there will be some Jr. fans here to defend not start trash talking.I'm not getting in it but if you fans leave the J and R out of your comments and post on your own guy's win it should be clean.
Kenneth McLellan said:
May 3, 2009 at 11:21 AMNice win Kyle, I still don't like you, but you are one hell of a driver/
LaCo Steve said:
May 3, 2009 at 11:24 AMThe 18 drove into victory lane again simply because he is the best driver on 4 wheels.
Like DW says" people expect Kyle to drive like Dale SR, and act like Mark Martin".
He does one of those for sure !!!!!!
Werner Boehmert said:
May 3, 2009 at 11:41 AMi actually thought this was a better race than last weeks...i think that this size of trak is the way to go...there was action all over the trak...and FOX actually was showing us more than just the leaders...
Anonymous said:
May 3, 2009 at 11:51 AMGoing to post #2 by Susan.
So are you telling me I'm an ignorant guy at that I'm at the "lower" level of NASCAR fans because I do not like Kyle Busch? If you're ignorant about hating Kyle Busch why am I not ignorant about disliking Dale Jr? Why am I not ignorant for disliking Denny Hamlin? Hell why am I not ignorant for liking my favorite driver Jeff Burton?
People have their reasons for disliking a driver, most of them valid. This is NASCAR and more than half of the haters of Kyle Busch are Jr. fans. They have a pretty darn good reason to dislike Jr. if you ask me. NASCAR fans are passionate and when someone wrecks their favorite driver they instally strike the hate factor on that driver.
So don't go on calling ALL Kyle Busch fans ignorant cause the one that calls all Kyle Busch haters ignorant is ignorant themselves for making a stupid assumption.
So as of right now I'm putting myself higher in your so called "Fan-Status Ranking" of nascar fans.
Art Sheeler said:
May 3, 2009 at 12:12 PMPost#11, good logic. I like Jeff Burton, in fact I like all the drivers even Jr. But I am a Carl fan and really can't say anything about Kyle because I am tired of his spoiled brat arrogance. Please F1, come take him away.
Joshua Rainier said:
May 3, 2009 at 12:30 PMThis was the one race this year I got to see in person and it was definitely exciting. After the 18 took the checkered flag I have never seen so many 1 fingered salutes from about 90% of the people around me. No one threw anything where I was because I was in the Henrico Tower on the back stretch, but it wasn't just Jr. fans I can assure you.
Betty Stoneman said:
May 3, 2009 at 1:24 PMI can't imagine that anyone would say or think that Kyle Busch isn't one of the most talented drivers on the circuit. I am neither a Kyle fan nor a Jr. fan, but one has to know that Kyle is one whale of a good driver! I've been watching races for better than a half century and Kyle Busch is one of the most ill-mannered, egotistical young men I have ever seen. Like him or not, you can't demean his abilities in a race car.
Ralph Nesbitt said:
May 3, 2009 at 1:48 PMIam a Carl Ewards fan, but I think Kyle Busch is a great driver. I also wonder what Rick Hendricks realy thinks about he release of K.B.
for Jr. he should be very mad at his self.
Belle Blevins said:
May 3, 2009 at 1:51 PMI think fans not liking some drivers go back to grade school.If someone was more popular, had more money, better at sports, then most of the kids didn't like them.I became a Kyle Busch fan when Hendricks gave him a dirty deal. I bet Hendricks could kick himself in the butt for letting him go.As for the fans,on Fri. nite and last nite, I heard all the cheers for Kyle.My
JIM BRUNO said:
May 3, 2009 at 1:57 PM#7 I couldnt agree more. This is Kyles post. Lets congratulate him on a good win. And wish him a happy 24th B-Day. And #1, maybe you should see a doctor if your puking urges persist. Go Kyle!!
Fred Dimmitt said:
May 3, 2009 at 2:32 PMCongratulations Kyle.
Jo Rupp said:
May 3, 2009 at 2:48 PMKyle Bush "YOU ARE THE MAN", wow, seems like the rest of the field look at your rear end every week. I like how everyone was talking about a Bush/JR rivalry. Thats a one sided rivalry, keep it up.
Betty Majure said:
May 3, 2009 at 3:03 PMI love it, love it, love it. SUMPIN DUN GOT A HOLD OF DIS BOY. Told you before. Telling you now. This is a force to be reckoned with. At 24 years of age, imagine what this boy child is gonna look like when he's my favorite driver's age! Tony Stewart's age. JGR has found a jewel, or rather three jewel's with Denny the oldest, Kyle the middle driver then Joey in their stable. I love all three of them and look forward to every race they drive in. How could anyone not love these three???
Bernie said:
May 3, 2009 at 5:05 PM#2, did I really bash Kyle? I'm just getting tired of him winning all the time and I realize it's not going to quit anytime soon. BTW, you already lowered yourself to our level.
Tyler Borchardt said:
May 3, 2009 at 5:34 PMKyle Busch is one helluva driver. If you deny that you're crazy. Everyone in NASCAR realizes how good he is. He can win at any track, with any race car. It takes skill to be able to do that. You see drivers that stick out to critics at certain tracks. Kyle Busch doesn't have a "certain" track. He has ALL tracks to be a threat at. The only time he's not a threat is when he wrecks (which is what most hope for). He has won at all. Superspeedway, short track, road course, and intermediate. He's done it all. All he needs is a Championship to deem himself as best driver out there.
So happy Birthday! Congrats! You deserve it!
May I say this is coming from a Kyle Busch disliker.
Robert Wingert said:
May 3, 2009 at 5:57 PM#22 I like to see him race and win in Dave Blaney's car. JGR put all his eggs in one basket the 18 car. Did KB win last night or did Hamlin lose the race in the pits?
said:
May 3, 2009 at 6:43 PMDave Blaney's car is a "start and park". Can't win in one of those things. It never came to race. Just get a check.
You will never see Kyle sell out and drive one of those things.
Timothy Schultze said:
May 3, 2009 at 7:59 PMSeems by all the posts that the Kyle Busch fans have more of a problem with the bashing then any one. I also find it hard to believe that with all those fans kyle is not even in the top ten most popular driver poll ?
ed gordon said:
May 3, 2009 at 8:13 PMSome folks just want to be associated with someone who wins, regardless of that persons-in this case drivers-character,it makes them feel better about themselves.
Kyle Busch in my opinion is a young person that I would use as an example to teach my own children on how not to behave when things are not going your way.
JIM BRUNO said:
May 3, 2009 at 8:58 PMI gotta kick out of #8s comment. Gotta love his honesty. As for #25, I dont believe one fan for KB picked him because he is a top 10 most popular driver. Therefore, driver polls probably dont matter. I am happy for the drivers that are at the top of the drivers poll charts, because we need them to also keep this sport around. I respect drivers for what they contribute to the sport. They are all unique in abilities or personalities. And as for KB fans, I really dont feel they have mispoke any more than other fans from any other driver. Some just dont speak as eloquently as others.
Tyler Borchardt said:
May 3, 2009 at 9:36 PMCommenting on #26 post: My major pet peeve in NASCAR is when people like a driver "Cause they win a lot". Of those people 60% or more of them are ignorant and couldn't explain their so called "Favorite Driver". I appreciate fans who are on the bandwagon on a driver that we never see win. It takes LOADS and I mean LOADS of passion to stick with that driver.
Anonymous said:
May 3, 2009 at 10:05 PMCongratulations Kyle!!! Love to watch you race!!!
JIM BRUNO said:
May 3, 2009 at 10:06 PMI couldnt agree more with you #28. But when I became a KB fan, according to the posts I read, I thought I was his only fan. I like his determination to win, and I like being the underdog. People becoming a KB fan, Im sure they all have similar reasons, and yes, winners do attract ignorance in some fans as well. But the reason I see is that he is MR. Exciting when he races. Now who wouldnt want to be a part of that.
Shirley Welborn said:
May 4, 2009 at 7:48 AMI would like to say to the people that think that all Kyle Bush haters should just get to know him. I don't want to get to know someone that stands in victory lane in the first cup win with the new COT & says it sucks. I don't want to get to know a boy that stomps away & doesn't even tell his crew where the car is parked because he's mad at them. I don't want to get to know someone that can only smile when he wins, but stomps away in a huff and speaks rudely to any reporters if he doesn't win. I don't want to get to know someone who will wreck anyone that gets in his way because he thinks he's better than them. (Ask Ron Hornaday about his aggressiveness.) And besides that, I am not even in the Junior Nation group, or the Jeff Gordon fan club but I don't hate them. I just hate to hear all the announcers bragging all the time about Kyle Bush trying to cram him down the throats of all the NASCAR fans. No matter how good he is, and no one can deny that, he is too much of a spoiled brat, that won't be seen unless he wins type of driver. One day when he breaks all the records and sets all new ones, what will he have to show. A lot of trophies and regard of the announcers, but not many fans to cheer for him. That's a sad way to have a career.
Kyle Newton said:
May 4, 2009 at 9:11 AMwell I gotta say, that is truely remarkable. I was pulling for Tony and Kasey, but I have not problem with Kyle Busch and the 18 car. Boo to all Jr. fans, this is Kyle's moment, and on his 24th birthday, becoming the only person to do that besides Cale Yarbourough. Remember last year when Dale Jr. cried after being wrecked by Kyle Busch? Well I was a little sad for Jr. but it just happened. He did not even come close this year. I don't even think they even met on the track as far as the race goes. Wish Kasey Kahne's car would have treated him better. Go Kyle Busch, Kasey Kahne, and Tony Stewart!
LaCo Steve said:
May 4, 2009 at 10:00 AM# 25 Ha ha your comment paints a clear picture of the mentality of so many fans.
Yes of course, lets judge a drivers talent by how he fares in a poularity poll.
Godd thinkin ( smile )
LaCo Steve said:
May 4, 2009 at 10:02 AMBad typin'.............but good thinkin'
LaCo Steve said:
May 4, 2009 at 10:03 AMBad typin'.............but good thinkin'
jerry swiatek said:
May 4, 2009 at 12:44 PMYa! #31 Shirley, Him and his bank really cares about your hatred!
JIM BRUNO said:
May 4, 2009 at 1:22 PM#31. Wow, and I thought KB had a bad attitude. After reading your comment, I sure hope you put your trophies away for a later date.
Belle Blevins said:
May 4, 2009 at 3:26 PM#31 Needs To GET BACK ON HIS MEDS. ASAP!!!!
Werner Boehmert said:
May 4, 2009 at 4:03 PMdid you know that Earnhardt Sr would also just park the car somewhere and then sneak off and leave the trak...be gone before the fans even started filing out...
Kyle Newton said:
May 4, 2009 at 5:44 PMYou don't think he's trying to be like Dale Earnhardt Sr. do you. He's probably like one of those kids who think the person that they go to School with (Race against like Dale Jr.), is a loser, but their dad is very cool.
Kyle Newton said:
May 4, 2009 at 5:47 PMGood Race for Stewart HAAS Racing. Just though i'd take up the 41st post, being that 41 is my favorite # and all. Great win for Kyle Busch, Kasey Kahne, my favorite Driver, I hope you do better at Darlington next Saturday.
KNewt41!
Teddy Bear said:
May 5, 2009 at 1:04 AMWay to go Kyle. I'd rather root for a whiner who wins like you than be someone who roots for the 88. At least I don't have to make excuses for every crappy finish lol.
RALPH STAFFORD said:
May 5, 2009 at 6:16 PMyou are the best kyle go
Teddy Bear said:
May 9, 2009 at 12:49 AMHey Kyle fans go read the article in here how Jr is already making excuses for when he loses again this weekend at Darlington. LMAO!!!