Kyle Busch was in reach of the win at Kansas Speedway on Sunday afternoon, one that would have snapped a 50-race winless streak. But just like numerous other races this season, another unexpected incident ripped the win out of his grasp.
"I'm just numb. I don't know what to do," Busch told NBC Sports after crossing the finish line in 19th place.
Busch was in control of the race with 31 laps to go. Ross Chastain was behind him and pushing hard, but the two-time champion had the advantage.
The situation drastically changed as Busch went to lap Chase Briscoe. The Stewart-Haas Racing driver left a lane on the outside, so Busch moved to make the pass.
He got loose, hit the outside wall, and then spun toward the inside SAFER barrier. Busch remained inside the top 10 but fell out of contention for the win over the final two restarts. Meanwhile, Chastain went on to win his first race since last season's finale at Phoenix.
... and just like that, everything changes. pic.twitter.com/FY1stJx1Ah
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 29, 2024
"(Briscoe) turned down the hill in order to get clean air from the guy in front of him, and so I went to his outside and plugged a hole," Busch said. "And then I -- just some reason -- just felt nothing off the corner. And hadn't really had that like that the whole time.
"...So busted my butt, and hate it for my guys and everybody at RCR and ECR. They deserved to get the win today."
Shoulda had that one, just not the way it used to be. Hate it for my guys, they deserved this one! Everyone at ECR & RCR did a phenomenal job this weekend.@RCRracing x @BetMGM x @TeamChevy pic.twitter.com/bGgXO9OZ5h
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) September 29, 2024
This race at Kansas Speedway was just another moment in a frustrating season for Busch. He didn't have speed early, and the team dealt with numerous issues on pit road.
However, he and Richard Childress Racing have been more in contention as the season has progressed. They just haven't delivered the finishes.
Busch had speed at Iowa Speedway, which he used to score a stage point and move closer to the playoff cutline. He then hit the wall on Lap 269 and made an unscheduled pit stop. Busch returned to the track but then went to the garage on Lap 273 with another mechanical issue.
The veteran driver had a top-five car at Sonoma Raceway, and he was in position for a fifth-place finish on the final lap. Chastain hit him from behind and spun him. Busch finished 12th and missed out on seven crucial points.
Busch was in the lead for the overtime restart at Daytona International Speedway on Aug. 24. He was in position to win for the 20th consecutive season. More importantly, he was set to clinch a spot in the playoffs.
Harrison Burton won and took one of the remaining playoff spots.
One week later, Busch was in contention for the win at Darlington Raceway. This was the regular-season finale and the final opportunity for drivers to lock up a spot in the playoffs.
Busch had the freshest tires for the final restart of the race, which he used to gain several positions and move into second place behind Chase Briscoe. He then spent the final 26-lap run trying to chase down the Stewart-Haas Racing driver and make the race-winning pass.
He finished second and missed the playoffs.
Busch has four top-10 finishes and three top-10s in the last seven Cup Series races. He has been close to Victory Lane on multiple occasions but has watched as other drivers have snapped winless streaks.
Now the two-time Cup champion only has six races remaining to snap the winless streak and extend his NASCAR record for consecutive seasons with at least one win.
Busch has a car capable of winning at times. He just has to avoid another issue to accomplish his goal.