After winning the final race at Fontana in California, Kyle Busch, the driver of the No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro, recently admitted he didn’t think he would be as competitive as he currently is with Richard Childress Racing.
Kyle Busch via NASCAR YouTube
The comments come after Kyle Busch previously claimed his primary reason for moving to Richard Childress Racing for this season was because he wanted to win right away.
During the press conference announcing his move to Richard Childress Racing, Busch stated, “I had to find a place where I knew I could go win races immediately. Collecting trophies is still the main reason why I get up everyday and go to the racetrack in order to to this every week.”
“Also needed a place where I felt I could hit reset and could be welcomed just as I am,” he continued. “This change will allow for a clean slate and that’s big for me and my family. A new team, a new teammate, new teammates. Most importantly a new boss who accepts where I have been and yet can help me get to where I want to be.”
However, following his victory at Fontana in California, Busch was asked by FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, “Did you think you would challenge for wins, Clash, Daytona 500, and here right off the bat with RCR?”
Busch responded, “Truthfully, no. I felt like there was going to be a little bit of a learning experience, a little bit of a growth pattern, but also on the flip side of that I always just kind of looked back and watched some of their results and success that they had last year with Austin, he ran second here last year. And Reddick was super, super fast. And so they were fast at The Clash before they broke. The 8 car was.”
“It’s just been really, really cool and it’s been a great piece of — we’re making history — but a great piece of opportunity to go out there and continue to win races at a new team with RCR. I can’t say enough about Austin giving me a call, first and foremost, but then Richard and Judy giving me this opportunity to go out here and race for wins. And thankful to be a part of our Lucas Oil Chevrolet team today,” he concluded.
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Busch’s victory at Fontana broke Richard Petty’s record for most consecutive seasons with a victory. Busch is now the only driver to have a win in 19 consecutive NASCAR seasons.
He discussed this history with NASCAR saying, “I feel like I’ve been with a lot of great teams over my career and a lot of great people and everybody that works so hard to get me those opportunities and all those victories. 61 wins and having a chance to win 19 years in a row. I don’t know if that tells you you’re getting older or you’re doing pretty good. Probably a little bit of both.”
Busch continued, “I’m certainly looking forward to continuing on here at RCR and having a great season this year, going after and hopefully racing for a Championship.”
Busch was dominant the entire race at Auto Club Speedway and even overcame a speeding penalty earlier in the race. He finished Stage 1 in 11th and took second in Stage 2 before winning the stage that really matters, the final one.
He led 27 of the 200 laps and finished almost 3 seconds ahead of second place finisher Chase Elliott. It was his fifth win at the race track.
Kyle Busch via NASCAR YouTube
The win places Busch in 8th via overall points, 25 points behind current leader Ross Chastain. He’s in fourth for the projected playoff picture with 8 playoff points earned. He’s 10 points behind Chastain who has 18 playoff points.
The win locks Busch in to the first round of the playoffs alongside Daytona 500 winner Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Kyle Busch via NASCAR YouTube
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