The NASCAR All-Star race returns to North Wilkesboro, a track steeped in racing lore. After the Darlington show, all eyes are on RFK Racing’s Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher. The Ford duo, which is recognized for its doggedness and acumen, must negotiate the redone tracks. One such is North Wilkesboro, a track where one million dollars are in waiting for the winner.
The All-Star Race has historically been a field day for all top-rated NASCAR drivers. This year, things are not quite the same. Unprecedented challenges await the drivers because of the changes that have taken place at North Wilkesboro Speedway. However, Chris Buescher is extremely excited about what awaits him as he gets back behind the wheel at the track.
Chris Buescher comes to aid
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One thing is very clear; All eyes are set on $1 million in prize money. “It was just a lot of fun to go back there. We were really quick there, able to win that heat on rain tires,” states the No. 17 Ford driver. Thus highlighting his team’s adaptability in diverse situations. However, this one groove track in North Wilkesboro has always run on tire management through difficult strategic moves.
Chris Buescher further comments, “The track was just very, very much one groove. It wore tires super quickly and all that’s fine when it’s consistent across the surface, but some of the patchwork that had to go in there just so the track wasn’t coming apart ended up adding a ton of grip in these super narrow sections.” These quirks were, however, smoothed over during recent repaving, leaving behind an empty canvas that could alter everything.
Looking for $1,000,000 on Sunday 💰@Chris_Buescher details the No. 17’s strong showing in last year’s All-Star Race. pic.twitter.com/5Ov6vEEIsm
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) May 16, 2024
The new pavement does bring in skepticism. Not for Chris Buescher, though, as he remains optimistic. He believes that keeping some progressive banking through the repave could allow more room for passing and increase competition. “Hopefully that’ll help widen it out a little bit quicker, but it’ll certainly be fast right there on the bottom, just how it was the last time,” he speculates.
RFK Racing’s approach to the All-Star race would be far more about strategy than raw speed. It is about taming an unpredictable track. Buescher’s description of the resurfaced surface belies RFK’s strategic intent. “We had a really fast passing Ford there,” he comments, using their previous experiences as the basis for this season’s plan.
This team’s confidence is not restricted to their understanding of this new track. Their ability to adjust their strategies during races as conditions change is another factor. This adaptability will be fully stretched on a track where past knowledge is no longer applicable and every lap may become a new challenge.
RFK Racing once again looks ahead
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For RFK Racing, winning at North Wilkesboro would mean more than a capital increase. It would confirm their strategic acumen and ability to overcome one of NASCAR’s most unpredictable events. This victory would raise the team’s profile in motor racing circles, boosting morale for the rest of their season. Spearhead of Ford Motorsports, Mark Rushbook, would be eagerly watching the performance of the duo.
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Furthermore, RFK Racing is now in a position to dominate rather than just compete, as Chris Buescher has insight into the new modifications made to the track and Brad Keselowski is behind the helm. The duo is going to have the right preparation, insights, and strategic flexibility key to claiming that top spot and winning this big showdown at North Wilkesboro during the All-Star race.