NASCAR Playoffs: Bristol review
The NASCAR Cup Series spent the past weekend in Bristol, Tennessee, for the final race in the Round of 16, an event that saw tire failures, aggression and a surprise winner.
Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) has always been known for its unpredictability, and this past weekend was no exception. The main theme of the race seemed to be the amount of cut tires that plagued everyone, including multiple cars who were leading at the time. This does not come as too much of a surprise, however, as this was the first time the Next Gen car had hit the concrete version of Bristol (the spring race being run on a dirt covered BMS).
The main issues seemed to be with the right front tires on the Fords, which was highlighted by Brad Keselowski’s tire failure that occurred while leading with less than 100 laps to go. Keselowski had one of his best races of the season, however, leading 109 laps and coming within sight of the win.
Along with Keselowski’s issues, his former team consisting of Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney and Austin Cindric had a dismal night, as they too were plagued by both mechanical and tire issues.
Fortunately for Team Penske, all three drivers made it to the Round of 12, which is more than many teams can say.
Speaking of making it to the Round of 12, some big names and former champions were shockingly eliminated after Saturday’s affair. Kyle Busch headlines this group after he suffered his second engine failure in three races, leading to Cindric edging him for the last spot.
Another big name eliminated was Kevin Harvick who found himself in this predicament despite a 10th place finish. Along with Busch and Harvick, RCR teammates Austin Dillon and Tyler Reddick also had their playoff hopes dashed.
One of the biggest surprises of the race, however, came with the winner. Chris Buescher took home the second win of his career, his first being at Pocono in 2016, and the first points-paying win for RFK Racing since 2017.
Buescher accomplished this with a call to take two tires during a caution for race leader Christopher Bell cutting down a tire. Buescher was able to hold off Chase Elliott for the last 50 laps to win.
With this win, Buescher tied a record in the Cup Series for the number of different winners in the Cup Series with there now being 19 different winners this season. Bushcer also solidified a complete sweep of the Round of 16 by non-playoff drivers adding to the case that the Next Gen car has made the field more even
The NASCAR Cup Series rolls into Texas this weekend to continue what has already been a wild playoff race so far.
Ethan Ellis is a second year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email ece5133@psu.edu.
