For the first time in his eight-year career as a full-time Cup driver, Chris Buescher finds himself in a high-stakes showdown to secure a spot in the Championship 4. Handling the #17 Ford for Brad Keselowski and Jack Roush, the 30-year-old made an emphatic statement during the regular season after he clinched his playoff berth with back-to-back victories and sealed the regular season with a memorable triumph in Daytona.
However, Chris Buescher’s journey through the playoffs has been a mix of struggles and glimmers of hope. The No. 17 Ford Mustang driver currently finds himself perched precariously in the eighth spot of the playoff standings, a daunting 43 points behind the cutline. As the Cup Series prepares for the penultimate race of the season at Martinsville Speedway, the pressure on Chris Buescher is bizarre. Talking about this, Kenny Wallace recently shared his candid assessment of Buescher’s predicament in the penultimate race of the season.
Kenny Wallace claims Brad Keselowski & Jack Roush’s star driver is at the end of his rope
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During the initial seven playoff races, Buescher maintained consistency with 2 top-5 finishes and a total of 3 top-10 finishes. Yet, his fortunes took a stark turn in the Round of 8 opener at Vegas, where the 30-year-old’s strategy of aiming for a top-10 finish and stage points faltered. He finished P11, failing to score much-needed playoff points.
Further challenges awaited Chris Buescher at Homestead Miami Speedway, where he could only muster a P21 finish, relegating him to eighth in the playoff standings, a considerable 43 points behind the coveted cut line. Despite his high expectations for the race in Homestead-Miami, Chris Buescher struggled, grappling with issues related to his car’s performance over both short and long runs.
With the penultimate race of the season looming at Martinsville Speedway, both Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski have an arduous task. With only one top-ten finish in 16 appearances since 2015, Buescher’s record at this historic track has not been favorable. His average finishing position hovers around 20th, while his starting position sits at an average of 22nd. Among all the drivers on the playoff bubble, Chris Buescher possesses the most daunting odds of winning at Martinsville.
Kenny Wallace, analyzing the current playoff landscape, offered a concise assessment of Buescher’s chances at Martinsville. He delivered a resounding verdict, stating, “Buescher’s too far back. He’s done… Buescher’s got to win.”
Martinsville Speedway is preparing to host the penultimate race of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season. This historic short track, characterized by tight turns and high drama, serves as the ultimate proving ground before the championship showdown.
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Who has the best odds of winning at Martinsville Speedway?
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In 2022, the fall race at Martinsville witnessed a thrilling spectacle. This year, NASCAR fans are also anticipating something immense.
1. Christopher Bell secured a do-or-die victory to earn his place in the championship race at Phoenix. This year promises to deliver another round of intense action, with numerous drivers vying for a spot in the Championship 4.
2. Among the contenders, Martin Truex Jr boasts an impressive track record at Martinsville. He has clinched three wins at the track, with his most recent victory in 2021. Truex Jr. has consistently demonstrated his prowess at the Virginia track, claiming seven top-five finishes and five top-ten finishes.
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3. Kyle Larson, despite a recent setback at Homestead, remains a strong favorite to win the NASCAR title. Larson previously triumphed at Martinsville in April and secured his place in the Championship 4 with a victory in Las Vegas. He is always a strong bet on taking the win.
4. Denny Hamlin possesses the most extensive history at Martinsville among the drivers in the playoff bubble. No. 11, entering the race outside the championship cutoff, faces the daunting task of securing a win to advance. The Southside Virginia native has a deep-rooted connection to short-track racing and boasts an incredible track record at Martinsville.
With five wins at the track and an impressive average finish of 10.3 in 35 races since 2005, Hamlin remains a formidable contender. He has consistently displayed speed and tenacity at Martinsville, making him the top pick for victory.
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While Chris Buescher fights against the odds of securing a place in the Championship 4, drivers like Martin Truex Jr, Kyle Larson, and Denny Hamlin are determined to assert their dominance. Each lap around the paperclip-shaped track is sure to fill with tension and drama, reminiscent of NASCAR’s iconic history.