Kurt Busch wins with a 'full team effort' from Penske Racing
By Rea White - Associate Editor
Monday, November 09, 2009
Penske Racing crew chief Pat Tryson (left) and driver Kurt Busch won the Dickies 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway.
David Griffin
NASCAR Scene
Penske Racing's Kurt Busch said he was uncertain about the car that his team wanted to bring to the race track last weekend at Texas Motor Speedway, but after leading 89 laps and winning Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Dickies 500, the driver decided that perhaps he should just focus on the driving and leave those decisions to the specialists.
Busch combined a fast race car with a winning pit strategy to conserve his fuel and nurse his car to the finish when others faltered. He stayed on the track longer than most of the frontrunners to make a stop on lap 269 and then didn't pit again as others found themselves diving onto pit road for just a bit more fuel in the closing laps.
"Just a full team effort all the way around, good solid pit stops, to good pit strategy, back to the guys at the shop building a fast race car, that I was a bit apprehensive of bringing to the race track," Busch said. "So it shows what I know and what they know. Just keep to the driving, Kurt, and let them do the engineering. In the end, this just makes a very solid team.
"We were well-rounded with power, with downforce, with handling. In the end, strategy is what played out for us to come out on top. A small bit of fuel mileage we had to play, but it wasn't very large - for us one lap shy. Our Dodge engine was able to give us the fuel mileage we needed to come out on top of everybody."
Busch and crew chief Pat Tryson made that decision to attempt to go the distance earlier in the race.
That's why they stayed out as long as possible to make what turned out to be a final pit stop - because they had been planning and attempting to conserve in advance.
"It was pretty much made the stop before the last one," Tryson said of the decision. "So it was two stops. You know, you're sitting there figuring if it stays green, how far you can go. We had to stretch it a little bit that first run. I think we picked up just about everything we had in the cell."
Team owner Roger Penske said the team was watching others that had been running with the leaders stop as it studied its own calculations.
"You could see the 00 [of David Reutimann] pitted four laps before we did," he said. "The 18 [of Kyle Busch] pitted. I think we ran two laps longer than they did. We knew if everything went to the end, with Kurt having to pick up one lap, we were in pretty good shape. We weigh the fuel after every stop, so we know exactly what the fuel mileage is.
"I think he ran probably a little more of a fuel-mileage run at the end, the last 10, 15 laps."
Reutimann ran out and had to pit in the final laps, as did race leader Kyle Busch.
Kurt Busch, meanwhile, kept on going.
He said that when Tryson told him to save fuel, he looked at the scoreboard and did the math and decided that it wasn't as large of a risk as it might haveseemed.
Tryson said that the team had to worry about cautions and what strategies others might employ in the race as they tried to conserve and stretch their mileage.
"The biggest thing is when you're doing that, worrying about a caution falling late because you're giving up track position," Tryson said. "That's how Kyle got the lead from us the first time, by shortstopping, making up half second a lap there for three or four laps, gets him by us. You know, only concern was a caution falling before everybody had to pit."
Still, Busch had to run almost 100 miles on his last tank of fuel.
He was working his way through traffic as well, trying to regain ground he lost by making his stop later than the rest of the field. He needed to both get in position to take advantage of his fuel run while also conserving enough to make it to the end.
The 2004 series champion said it was a difficult task.
"It's definitely challenging in all aspects," Busch said. "You have to make sure when you're letting off the throttle that you do it a proper way or when you pick up the throttle you're doing it a proper way. Maybe there isn't the right way to do it, other than I worked with my dad back racing cars at an entry level.
"We had to take care of our equipment. We had to race it for what it was worth, ginger it, make it to where it could be brought back next week. That's the mindset that you go into. I asked Pat. I said, 'Do I have to worry about the 18 [of Kyle Busch]?' He said, 'No. I don't even know that he exists on the race track' is my thought process. … We really didn't conserve fuel till the last 20 laps. Otherwise we were hammer down, get our car back up on the track position that we lost. That was the give and take."
Now, they have climbed back up two spots to fourth in the standings. They sit 171 points behind leader Jimmie Johnson and his Hendrick Motorsports team.
And they plan to go keep going for it. Even though Tryson has already announced plans to leave the organization next season, the pair plan to continue to work together and work toward getting the most out of their 2009 season through the final two races. Brad Keselowski has already taken over the organization's No. 12 car from David Stremme, too, so the group is focused on getting top finishes at Phoenix and Homestead in an effort to both gain ground in the standings and keep the team moving forward heading into 2010.
"I think we're going to finish it off," Penske said. "I think the guys have done a terrific job. This gives us some momentum for the last two races and certainly some direction from a car, from an engine. And certainly the driver lineup we have, we think we're going to have a great shot to do even better next year."
Popular News
-
PRESEASON PREDICTIONS: Which Sprint Cup star will snap his long winless streak first?
Comments (188) -
For Dale Earnhardt Jr., life as an Earnhardt is not easy, especially when you're not winning
Comments (139) -
Jeff Owens: Should RCR’s black No. 3 return to NASCAR’s Cup series?
Comments (120) -
Hendrick Motorsports’ Mark Martin more prepared mentally and physically for 2010
Comments (105) -
Dale Earnhardt Inc. plans for Jeffrey Earnhardt still in flux
Comments (96)
Recent Headlines
-
SEASON PREVIEW: Mike Skinner optimistic about 2010 prospects
Comments (1) -
SEASON PREVIEW: Camping World Truck Series top-20 rankings
Comments (3) -
Josh Wise to drive in Nationwide Series for Specialty Racing
Comments (2) -
HBO’s ‘24/7 Jimmie Johnson’ documentary series expected to shift into high gear tonight
Comments (27) -
SEASON PREVIEW: Roush Fenway Racing’s Carl Edwards hungry to regain place among Sprint Cup’s elite
Comments (15)
Poll PositionView All
After qualifying and the Budweiser Shootout, who is the favorite to win the Daytona 500?
Promotions
-
Tweet your thoughts about each race and join the conversation with other fans.
-
Drive an authentic NASCAR Sprint Cup car at the NASCAR Racing Experience.
Comments
13 responses to "Kurt Busch wins with a 'full team effort' from Penske Racing". Post a Comment.
Phoenix987 said:
Nov 9, 2009 at 2:19 PMMust be a new team. Never heard of "Pemske Racing"
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportsmartass said:
Nov 9, 2009 at 3:40 PMI never like the Busch brothers
Report as Abuse(haha good catch Phoenix987)
Report Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportWerner said:
Nov 9, 2009 at 4:49 PMthis was a team when...the shop guys and the trak guys were all on the same page...
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportjdxenterprises said:
Nov 9, 2009 at 5:56 PMThe team had a great day. They deserved to win.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportgalvan18244 said:
Nov 9, 2009 at 6:27 PMKurt is showing why is a champion!! Penske and dodge are looking good, brad and sam just have to get the same equip as kurt lol.!
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportLUV88AND99 said:
Nov 9, 2009 at 6:46 PMIt is a shame how Kurt Bush speaks to his crew chief, which is probably why he is leaving. His new crew chief needs combat pay to put up with his mouth. I can't imagine working with those circumstances.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportWerner said:
Nov 9, 2009 at 7:40 PMthey all talk nasty to the crew chiefs...except for Chad and Jimmie...
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportracer36s said:
Nov 9, 2009 at 7:45 PMWhen are you people ever going to learn that it's not the equipment as much as it is the crew chief and what he does when the driver tells him what the car is doing. As for the judgement calls too on when to pit or take the risk and stay out because he believes that they'll be fine. All the driver really does is tell them what the car is doing and drive the car the best way it is running because of the set up for the car per the crew chief.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportjerryswiatek said:
Nov 9, 2009 at 8:34 PM#2 you must dislike for different reasons because they are way different attitudes, Just like me and my brother, I'm so nice and he's a jerk!
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportxbrownsx said:
Nov 10, 2009 at 2:06 AMNice win for Kurt and the famed #12 DODGE! Petty should have aligned his team and cut a deal with Penske instead of bailing, ruining his legacy, and moving to Ford.
Report as AbusePat Tryson is also making a mistake leaving, he'll be invisible at MWR.
GO #2, #12, #77 Penske DODGE in 2010!!!
Report Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportxbrownsx said:
Nov 10, 2009 at 2:07 AMOops, that should have been the #2 DODGE.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportkylestewart said:
Nov 10, 2009 at 11:44 AM#6 are you serious????? this coming from a jr fan. they guy who would yell & scream at his crew chief until the onwer would have to come in & calm them down during a race.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportxbrownsx said:
Nov 11, 2009 at 3:15 AM#12, My thoughts exactly on #6's post. I wonder how many other times Mr. Hendrick had to get on the radio to calm JR. down that the fans never heard except those listening in via a scanner at the race.
Report as AbuseI know Mr. Penske had to calm Kurt down before. When Dale Jr. is a NASCAR Champion, then I'll cut him some slack. Clearly, Jr. and the #88 has been the "weakest link" at Hendrick Motorsports since arriving there. That's embarassing to the entire Hendrick organization.
Report Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Report