ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM: BUSCH HASN'T FORGOTTEN LAST YEAR
Jul 28, 2010
ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM: BUSCH HASN'T FORGOTTEN LAST YEAR
The term “double-duty” was coined to describe drivers who run in multiple NASCAR series, usually on the same weekend. Reigning series champion Kyle Busch (No. 18 Z-Line Designs Toyota) and two-time series champion (and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings leader) Kevin Harvick (No. 33 Jimmy John’s Chevrolet) are in that category.
It also fits when tagging drivers who run fulltime in both NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide, like the latter’s points leader, Brad Keselowski (No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge), Carl Edwards (No. 60 Fastenal Ford), who’s second, and Paul Menard (No. 98 Mastercraft/Menards Ford), who’s sixth.
Saturday night at Iowa Speedway, “double-duty” takes on another meaning; as in a two-way rivalry.
The dispute between Keselowski and Edwards is well known. But after the finish at the inaugural series race at Iowa last year, tack on a contentious Keselowski-Busch relationship heading into this one, too.
Busch and Keselowski traded the lead at various points after Lap 105 of last year’s 250-lap event. Following a late-race caution, Busch, who was leading, opted for two tires. Keselowski stayed out, bulled his way by Busch with eight to go, and went on to win.
It’s probably safe to assume Busch hasn’t forgotten.
With Busch coming off a win last week at O’Reilly Raceway Park, it should make for an exciting evening.
Busch has won eight of the 16 series races he’s entered this year, and is two wins shy of tying the mark for most wins in a season. He already shares that record with two-time series champion Sam Ard, who set the record in 1983. Busch tied the standard in 2008.
He’s also edging closer to Mark Martin’s all-time series record of 48. Busch has 38 wins in 189 career starts. Martin has 231 NASCAR Nationwide Series starts.
There’s one other rivalry note between Busch and Keselowski. It comes in the form of the owner championship. Although Busch isn’t defending his series title, he’s the main reason the No. 18 team is in the hunt for its third owner title. Keselowski’s Penske Racing team is one point ahead of the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing team. Busch has been aided this year — when not running in the No. 18 — by Brad Coleman, who will be his substitute driver this weekend. Parker Kligerman takes that role for Keselowski.
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