For a few, it’s more than just a race – it’s a unifying tradition. Nor does it matter if the elimination-centric format is creating an overwhelming amount of controversy that can give the impression NASCAR’s playoffs may be more game show than an actual sporting contest.
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“It’s kind of bittersweet”, said Harvick, a seven-time victor at Phoenix who led 143 of the 219 laps.
“When I returned, we did a good job and we won four out of five and put ourselves in a position to make the Chase, and the rules are the way the rules are, and we’re going to make the most of it”, Busch said.
Harvick finished second and Busch was fourth.
Busch converted pole to an early lead and was starting to lap backmarkers as early as lap 10, while Dillon dropped away allowing Penske’s Brad Keselowski to take up second place before the first caution on lap 17 when Ruben Pardo (MBM Motorsports) came to a smoky halt on the track in turn 2.
The Quicken Loans Race for Heroes 500 was delayed almost seven hours by a series of storms – in a city that sees only two days of rain in November on average – forcing the penultimate race in the Chase to start under the lights at the mile oval.
“Maybe the last run we would have had something, but that’s not the way it played out”. “I don’t care if we do this in rowboats or on foot or whatever we’ve got to do – I want to go race”. “I feel like what we’re taking there (to Homestead) might be a little bit better”. His presence alone will bring monster attention to the championship, and he’s certainly the sentimental favorite among NASCAR fans and even most of the garage.
“We had a fantastic season”, Busch said. “Then I saw the 19 [of Edwards] was right there in front us, we’ll get lined up and be OK….”
Had the race restarted after a caution that was triggered by Joey Gase’s crash, Logano thought he had a shot at the all-important victory.
Busch, a Gordon fan growing up, would probably be among those rooting for the No. 24 auto if he wasn’t in the championship himself. After Homestead, it will be 93 days until the 2016 season opener at Daytona, February 21, 2016.
The Chase field for next weekend’s season finale is set.
The 2015 NASCAR championship will be decided by finishing order at the final race next weekend at Homestead, Fla.
“You don’t know if there’s another restart if we’re going to win”, Logano said.
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In fact, Busch is already in a strong position in the points standings and has every chance of progressing with just a top ten finish tomorrow. His previous career high in points? “Just can’t say enough about everybody at Furniture Row Racing and what we have accomplished this year”. My crew chief Cole Pearn and everybody there – I’m just really proud of them and really excited to have this opportunity.
