Chris Buescher and RFK Racing are gaining momentum this season, highlighted by a strong showing at Pocono Raceway last Sunday. After a near-win with a second-place finish at Michigan two weeks earlier, Buescher qualified second and finished fourth at Pocono, marking his first top-five result there since his 2016 Cup Series victory.
Consistent Speed and Strategic Racing Boost Buescher’s Season
The No. 17 Ford stayed competitive throughout the race, including a battle for the lead during Stage 1 against Denny Hamlin. Buescher remained near the front, eventually finishing closely behind the leaders in a fuel-strategy finish. His consistent performance earned him season bests in both average running position, which was sixth, and driver rating, reaching 120.4.
I saw Brad [Keselowski, team owner] leading at one point today and I know the speed we had. I’m pretty confident in where our race team is heading and what we’ve been able to accomplish.
—Chris Buescher, Driver
Playoff Prospects Improve, But Wins Remain the Goal
With three top-five finishes this season, Buescher has strengthened his position on the playoff cutline, moving from +19 to +38 in points above the bubble. Despite this progress, his focus remains on winning races rather than just qualifying for the playoffs.
It’s one little step. The thing that hurts is that Michigan and here were — just a little track position and we could have won.
—Chris Buescher, Driver
Buescher acknowledges the team’s speed but stresses the need to better execute race strategy to convert potential into victories.
I think we have ultimately had the speed we just need to put it all together right now.
—Chris Buescher, Driver
The Impact of Recent Performance on RFK Racing’s Outlook
These consistent top finishes not only boost Buescher’s confidence but also reflect the growing strength of RFK Racing. As the team continues to refine its approach, the potential for future victories at tracks like Pocono and Michigan appears promising. The combination of speed, strategy, and execution could soon push Buescher into regular contention for racing glory this season.
