Manufacturer allegiances play a big role in determining the results on the racetrack. Particularly at the Cup Series level, where Chevrolet, Toyota, and Ford drivers try to help each other reach their respective goals. But, in a rather surprising move, Parker Retzlaff, who piloted the No. 62 Chevy at Daytona, operated on his accords. This left Kyle Busch stranded during the last lap run of the race.

But having pulled off that move, Retzlaff is having second thoughts on how he would approach the last lap. The Xfinity Series driver even confessed that he wasn’t looking to pull off a big upset, but was only returning a favor to Harrison Burton and Ford camp.

Kyle Busch had no support during the last lap dash at Daytona

Pack racing is vital on superspeedway racetracks. Without the support and the push from the cars behind, leaders can easily lose their advantage. Unfortunately, Kyle Busch was on the receiving end of things when he had no help during the overtime finish. Although Rowdy was able to keep the lead in his hands during the first few laps, the dynamics flipped during the decider lap.

Busch was leading the field, starting in the inside lane, which did make sense. However, Parker Retzlaff and the outside lane gained momentum in the dying moments of the race. He was the one who pushed the No. 21 car on the lead, helping Wood Brothers Racing clinch their 100th win and Burton his maiden Cup Series victory. But he is having second thoughts about the way things unfolded last Saturday.

“If I could go back and change it. I would’ve, you know, helped Chevy and all of them put a Chevy in the playoffs. But I also just don’t want to give up for everybody who’s supported me and just wanted to give them a good result. I hate being the person to cause all this, I guess drama and mess on Twitter, but once again, I did whatever I felt like was best for the people who’ve supported me.” Retzlaff said this via Dirty Mo Media.

https://twitter.com/DirtyMoMedia/status/1829517886961996132

Despite ditching Kyle Busch, a fellow Chevy driver, Retzlaff had no troubles from the automobile giant. “I mean, no I’ve had conversation with Chevy and we’re all like everything’s been fine. It’s been a lot of speculation and people talking.” He concluded. In fact, Rowdy also took this defeat on his chin and is ready to give his all in the regular season finale at Darlington Raceway.

One win and Rowdy is in

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Thanks to the format that is laid out by NASCAR, even the most underperforming teams are in contention to make the playoffs. Although Busch and RCR have struggled since the start of 2024, they have certainly turned a corner for good since returning from the Olympic break. It is as if the No. 8 team and the guys at RCR have started to click right at a crucial time in the season.

A win is the only resort for Rowdy and RCR to make the playoffs, as they can’t make up a 100-point deficit in a single race. One of the key factors that could propel the #8 team to victory lane is their recent performance on the track. In the last three starts, Rowdy has managed two top-five finishes, something he wasn’t able to do this season. Moreover, he does have a Southern 500 victory, and it’s about time he added another win under his belt.

Not to forget, he is still trying to keep his 20th-year winning streak alive. So multiple storylines and narratives will be on the cards at Darlington Raceway this Sunday. And Kyle Busch certainly will be in the thick of things.