Buescher's late bobble made for a 'missed opportunity' at Michigan

Chris Buescher led a career day for RFK Racing at Michigan International Speedway, but he couldn’t help but rue one wiggle that kept it from meaning so much more for his season.

Buescher rolled off a quiet sixth in Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400. When the green flag flew, it didn’t take long for the 2023 Michigan winner to set himself at the front of the field. Piloting a unique, pink No. 17 with sponsorship from Heinz, Buescher marched forward, took the lead on lap 35 and claimed the opening stage to secure a playoff point.

From there, staying at the front proved difficult. In a race with wild restarts and some mid-race strategy variation, Buescher found himself flowing throughout the field. When the pay window began to open, the 32-year-old was right in the mix.

Running in the group that eventually overtook leaders Carson Hocevar, William Byron and Kyle Larson to fight for the win, Buescher was completing a pass of Zane Smith in the final run when he briefly lost control of his machine. The veteran had to lift to make the save. In doing so, he allowed Smith, Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs to sneak by.

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That small moment ultimately proved to be the difference in his race. Buescher overtook Smith shortly afterward and chased down Gibbs in the closing laps, but ran out of time to reel in Hamlin for what proved to be the lead.

“I got by the No. 38 and just had a big wiggle running the bottom,” Buescher said afterward. “That’s what let the Nos. 11, 54 and 38 back by. That moment was my error and realistically cost us the win today, because we were better than the No. 11 car.”

When the checkered flag flew, Buescher found himself second. It was a great result, but one that keeps the two-time postseason qualifier in the midst of the playoff bubble battle on points. Buescher rose to 12th in the standings with the runner-up result, but sits just 20 points ahead of the cutline with 11 races left in the regular season.

While Buescher’s finish was personally disappointing, it was the highlight of a strong afternoon for RFK Racing at owner-driver Brad Keselowski’s home track. With Ryan Preece coming home ninth and Keselowski following in 10th, Michigan saw the first triple-top-10 day for the program since July 2016.

The program had plenty to be proud of, including a rapid car for its top driver. It was only disappointing because of how much more the weekend would have meant without Buescher’s bobble.

“I’m proud of the team for giving me that car and that opportunity,” Buescher said. “Man, I’d love to have it back, but ultimately that’s not an option. Lot of speed.

“Fantastic race for us. Big, solid day. Just feels like a missed opportunity.”