Kurt Busch, driver of the No. 41 Haas Automation/Monster Energy Chevrolet SS for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), had a strong run in the New Hampshire 301 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon Sunday, but his 22nd-place finish didn’t reflect the effort of the 2004 Sprint Cup champion and his Tony Gibson-led team.
Photo: stewarthaasracing.com
After starting fourth in the 40-car field, Busch ran in the top-five for much of the 301-lap race despite struggling with handling issues that saw his No. 41 Chevrolet loose entering and exiting the corners while tight in the center. Gibson called for wedge and air pressure adjustments each time Busch came to pit road to keep up with changing track conditions, which enabled him to maintain his presence toward the front of the field.
In the closing laps, Busch was forced into a three-wide battle for position that resulted in contact to his left-rear quarter panel, causing a tire rub. Busch stayed on the racetrack hoping that the rub would go away, but a cut tire resulted with less than 20 laps remaining that led to a pair of unscheduled pit stops. Despite the setback, Busch was able to stay on the lead lap, allowing him to maintain the distinction of being the only driver to have completed every lap run during the 2016 season.
Busch is eligible to compete in the 16-driver, 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, which begins following the Sept. 10 race at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway. Busch and his competitors have won a race this season and are among the top-30 in points, the two requirements necessary to secure a spot in the Chase.
The next event on the Sprint Cup schedule is the Crown Royal presents the Combat Wounded Coalition 400 at the Brickyard at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, July 24. The 23rd running of the event begins at 3 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by NBCSN.
