It took both strategy and speed for Kyle Busch and his team, but they were the ones celebrating on the “Tricky Triangle” in Victory Lane once again following NASCAR‘s Pocono 400.
When the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series waived the green flag at Pocono Raceway it was pole sitter William Byron that shot out front to lead the race early. Kyle Larson was another car that looked to challenge for the win as he took both the stage one and stage two wins.
Several cars that looked like they could contend found trouble in the race. Austin Dillon wound up hitting the wall early due to an on-track incident. Martin Truex Jr. had engine trouble. Kevin Harvick fell victim to a pit road penalty.
Kyle Busch was near or in front all race long. He was one of nine cars to exchange the lead of the race 13 times. Busch led a race high 79 laps in the 160 lap race.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. hit the wall late in the race to bring out the eighth and final yellow flag. On the re-start, Kyle Busch raced out to the lead and held it for the final laps to claim the win.
This is the third career win for Busch at Pocono Raceway. In fact, this is his third win in the last four races on the “Tricky Triangle.” It also gives him four wins in the 2019 Cup Series season, more than any other driver.
Brad Keselowski finished in second place followed by Erik Jones in third. Chase Elliott and Clint Bowyer rounded out the top five in fourth and fifth places respectively. See the complete results for the Pocono 400 here.
The top three spots in the point standings remain the same with Kyle Busch holding the lead, Joey Logano in second and Chase Elliott in third. Brad Keselowski and Kevin Harvick swap spots as Brad moves up to fourth and Kevin falls to fifth place. See the complete Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series point standings here.
The drivers and teams head to Michigan International Speedway this week for the FireKeepers Casino 400 Sunday, June 9th.
By: Buck Stevens