Before Sunday’s race, both Buescher and RFK Racing co-owner Brad Keselowski were in good position to make the 16-driver NASCAR Cup playoffs based on points.
However, the Sunday performance of both drivers, particularly Buescher’s triumph, suggests the organization’s potential, especially since his win secures his place in the playoff field.
“We have discussed this as a team, acknowledging that it is important to keep in mind because we are currently in a favorable position in terms of points. We have put in a lot of effort to maintain this consistency,” Buescher clarified. “However, we should not assume that we are invincible and that a victory would solve all our problems.”
“Our sport revolves around the power of winning. It resolves discussions about points, boosts morale, and turns around disappointing weekends. Winning has the ability to transform everything.”
Race winner Chris Buescher, RFK Racing, Ford Mustang
Photo by: Rusty Jarrett / NKP / Motorsport Images
Winning is also the best way to advance in the series playoffs and now that Buescher’s No. 17 Ford team has won in back-to-back seasons, the potential exists for him to be more than a spoiler in the playoffs – he could well be a title contender.
“It’s fantastic that we have made it to the playoffs. This was one of our objectives from the start of the season. At RFK, we discussed the importance of winning races, qualifying for the playoffs, and having a chance to compete. We definitely don’t want to be mere participants either.”
“I have great confidence in our ability to compete and advance, particularly when I consider the races we have scheduled for the first half of the playoffs.”
Buescher’s initial victory at RFK during the previous autumn at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway held significant meaning for the 30-year-old individual from Prosper, Texas. However, Sunday’s triumph carried an additional element.
“This victory is definitely a significant achievement as it secures our spot in the playoffs. Winning the Bristol race, especially the night race, has always been a top priority for me. I am absolutely thrilled to have won that race,” he expressed. “The only thing that was lacking was our absence from the playoffs.”
“Now, we have the opportunity to win another race at Bristol, which will propel us into the next round. This achievement will significantly boost our confidence as we approach the remaining 14 races of the season.”
Four races remain before the playoffs begin Sept.3 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway and RFK still sees opportunities both for Keselowski to lock himself in with a win and for Buescher to improve his seeding.
“We are looking forward to the upcoming Michigan race, which should be quite promising. We will be competing on two road courses, which have proven to be successful for RFK and me,” Buescher expressed. “I have genuinely enjoyed racing on those tracks and believe we have an opportunity to secure more victories before the deadline.”
“It allows us to enter those situations with a potentially more assertive approach or take slightly bolder risks in our strategy. We have the opportunity to compete in the manner we frequently discuss and envision.”
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