Kyle Busch clinched the checkered flag at Sunday’s Pala Casino 400, bringing home his first trophy as a Richard Childress Racing driver. For anyone changing teams and transitioning from a Toyota to Chevrolet, this would not be an easy feat to achieve. But surprisingly, Busch had no problem adjusting to this radical shift. And honestly, his RCR teammate Austin Dillon also has something to do with it.
Driving the #3 Camaro in the Cup series, Dillon might have had a smoother transition if he was to be pitted in RCR’s fastest #8 car. However, the 2022 Coke Zero Sugar 400 winner stayed in the #3 Camaro while helping Busch feel comfortable in the faster #8 Camaro ZL1.
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After Kyle Busch‘s win at the Auto Club 400 in Fontana, Fox Sports reporter Bob Pockrass mentioned that Kyle himself was a little bit surprised about the fact that there hasn’t been more of a learning curve for him at RCR, Pockrass urged Dillon to share his insights on the matter.
While trying to explain why it hasn’t been difficult for Busch to feel at home at RCR, Dillon said,
“That #8 car was probably the fastest car here last year, you know, the first couple of races last year. So, for me, putting Kyle in there as the two times champion, one of the winningest drivers in NASCAR history, he just picked it up where it was.”
Kyle Busch thanks Austin Dillon & team after his win
Excited and proud of his first win with RCR, Kyle Busch said that even though he never doubted himself, sometimes he wondered what was happening to him. Talking to NASCAR.com, he said,
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“I can’t thank Richard and Judy (Childress) enough, Austin (Dillon) for calling me and getting me talking and getting me the opportunity to come over here to RCR.
There is nothing more rewarding than being able to go to Victory Lane. You put yourself in a different situation and you’re able to reward your guys. It’s not about me always winning, but about the guys. I’ve worked with a lot of great people who’ve given me a lot of great opportunities in my career. It’s awesome to be able to reward them.”
Austin Dillon reacts to Kyle Busch winning in just his second points race with RCR. pic.twitter.com/peCODIuoCj
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 27, 2023
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As he took the checkered flag, Rowdy also surpassed Richard Petty’s record of 18 consecutive Cup Series seasons with at least one win. Now, his fans are really pumped up and are eager to witness more displays of such superb driving.
WATCH THIS STORY: “Would Wreck Your Own Mom to Win the Million Bucks” – Kyle Busch and Kurt Busch Were Not on Talking Terms for One Year After This Million Dollar Crash