NASCAR Doing Right by Kyle Busch Has Insider Slamming Chase Elliott’s “Dune-Bugging” Antics

This season has not been fruitful for Kyle Busch. The 63-time Cup race winner found himself fumbling after an initial spark in Atlanta. Scoring only three top-ten and two top-five finishes, Rowdy is at the lowest of his career. But his old talent glimmered a little at Nashville.

The No. 8 Richard Childress Racing driver found himself in the top five after weeks of struggle. And he maintained that front-row position for quite some time. But his streak of bad luck continued, as a rival’s rear tactics ended his day. A NASCAR insider delved into this topic, taking Busch’s side.

Kyle Busch’s close miss attributed to Hendrick’s rival

The Nashville race unfolded dramatically, especially in the latter part. Christopher Bell’s stunning domination and twin-stage wins crashed in stage 3. That could be indirectly attributed to Chase Elliott’s mysterious spin on lap 218 that brought out a caution. Bell fell through, and his Hendrick Motorsports rival shot up through the race field again.

Yet that was not the end of Elliott’s antics. Kyle Busch was snuggling with the top-five racers when Ross Chastain wrecked on lap 305 and collected him among others. Although he survived that, as NASCAR allowed Busch to start from 4th in the overtime, the next melee was fatal. In the third overtime restart on lap 320, Kyle Larson ran out of fuel and backed into Busch. But Chase Elliott was right behind him – and bumped into the No. 8’s rear.

On a recent episode of ‘Door Bumper Clear’, T.J. Majors rooted for Kyle Busch’s moves. “I can understand Kyle more, ’cause Kyle’s just missing the wreck, and if he gets bumped from behind…I don’t think there should be a penalty for a guy…If you’re doing what you should be doing to miss a wreck…Kyle was doing the right thing.”

Then Brad Keselowski’s spotter slammed Chase Elliott’s antics, implicating him for spoiling Kyle Busch’s hopes. “The other one was the 9 and he was the reason for the caution. He’s literally dune-bugging down through the front stretch grass…He came out pretty much at the back of the field into one and that’s where he should be…I just don’t know how you look at a guy spinning out through the grass and he gets it straight.”

Kyle Busch’s woeful end was truly disappointing. Many were rooting for Rowdy to snap his long 40-race winless streak. However, even though Chase Elliott received flak for ruining Busch’s hopes, the No. 9 driver actually looked up to him.

Elliott drew inspiration from Busch

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Despite Ditching Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver Redeemed by Chevrolet

Very few NASCAR drivers venture outside the usual racetracks fixed every weekend. Those who do are inevitably some of the most versatile racers. Kyle Larson is among them, owning several sprint car victories to his name. Kyle Busch also ranks in that category, as his dirt racing qualities are no secret. In 2022, Chase Elliott announced he would follow in Busch’s footsteps for the Nitro Rallycross, featuring dirt circuits with jumps.

Before venturing into the thrilling racing series, Chase Elliott expressed his enthusiasm: “I enjoy the challenge of trying out other forms of racing and have recently taken up dirt racing, so getting in a rallycross car is really appealing. Nitro RX is thrilling to watch and from what Travis Pastrana and some of the other drivers have told me, it is just as thrilling to be behind the wheel. I can’t wait.”

Despite Chase Elliott’s goodwill toward Kyle Busch, the NASCAR community is presently cross with him for pouring cold water on Rowdy’s pursuits.