As HMS star Kyle Larson zoomed past the finish line, his roar was met with an almost deafening applause. But the loudest buzz wasn’t necessarily around the Hendrick Motorsports driver. It was around Chris Buescher of RFK Racing, who claimed a noteworthy 3rd place at the NASCAR Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway. Facing off against Kyle Larson, Buescher had to make some calculated moves. As they revved engines and traded paint, Buescher confessed he let Larson take the lead rather than risk a catastrophic outcome.

Chris Buescher secured a commendable 3rd place finish in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway. Reflecting on his performance and the challenges of the track, he shared insights with the media, including Frontstretch.

The Moment That Could Have Ended Buescher’s Race

When questioned about his ability to maintain composure amidst the tumultuous nature of the race, Buescher highlighted the significance of securing a good position from the outset. Buescher emphasized the demanding nature of the Darlington track, where he has repeatedly faced such trials. However, he demonstrated resilience by navigating these challenges and reclaiming a leading position.

“I mean a couple things. Again, qualifying up front, the top 10 certainly puts you in a lot better spot. We had, I don’t know, we had one slow stop at home. I think we caught fire on the pit road. But I got back several rows on that restart and immediately we’re getting run into and checked up and having massive, almost moments. It’s like that. This is where we’ve been, every time we’re at Darlington, it’s brutal.” 

“So we’re able to just drive away from that, get back up towards the front. Especially there at the end of those last 50 laps, something like that up there in the top 30. We restart on the front row with Larson several times and certainly trying to make something out of that. It makes something happen but we’re not going to put it out in one and put it both in the fence.”

In the NASCAR world, momentum is a fickle friend, but the tides have changed drastically for Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing. Bagging three victories in the last five races of the regular season, including a 1–2 finish with teammate Brad Keselowski at Daytona, Buescher has transformed from an underdog to a bona fide contender. 

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When Chris Buescher’s right rear caught fire on Lap 182 during a pit stop, many feared his race could go up in flames, literally and metaphorically. So what exactly happened?

How Chris Buescher and Crew Emerged Unscathed and More Determined

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During the final long run of 55 laps at Darlington, both RFK Racing cars showed they’ve got what it takes for the long haul. With Buescher sitting comfortably 27 points above the cutoff, the odds are increasingly in his favor. 

The Southern 500 playoff opener at Darlington will be memorable for many reasons, but for Buescher and his pit crew, it was a trial by fire—literally. Late in the second stage, as Buescher pulled in for a four-tire change and fuel, the rig leaked, setting the car’s left rear ablaze. A pit stop that could have spelled disaster instead showcased the crew’s steadfast resolve as they continued their task despite the inferno.

READ MORE: “Hurt” Chris Buescher Painfully Admits That Brad Keselowski’s Help Is Not Enough Amid Kyle Larson Battle 

So, as we rev up for the next race, one thing’s for sure: Chris Buescher is no longer a driver others can afford to overlook. He’s proven he has the speed, the stamina, and the sheer audacity to aim for victory. Kansas and the rest of the NASCAR world should be on high alert.