This weekend at Talladega, NASCAR confirmed there would be no aero changes for the Cup Series cars, a decision that has left Kyle Busch feeling disappointed. With a string of flips occurring at high-speed NASCAR tracks recently, the call for a change is certainly understandable, especially for drivers like Busch who prioritize safety.
NASCAR tested new modifications at Michigan aimed at keeping cars grounded. Although these blowover flips haven’t led to serious injuries thus far, it is a frightening experience that no driver wishes to endure. Bob Pockrass from FOX Sports spoke with Busch ahead of the race this weekend, where the disappointment in not seeing any changes for this week’s race became clear.
“Yeah, I don’t, I think they tested it at Michigan, and I’m pretty sure greenhouses aren’t that easy to make and are very expensive, probably one of the more expensive body parts these cars have,” Busch said, via Pockrass. “So, you would like to have anything like that as soon as you possibly could get it and have it on the racecar, especially coming to places like this. So, I would agree with the sentiment that yeah, it’s a little disappointing we don’t have it yet, if it’s a safety feature for us.”
Busch’s frustration is underscored by the fact that he knows NASCAR is crafting a plan for improvements, with hopes of implementing a change for Daytona involving a flap on the A-post. Despite this progress, the absence of immediate changes for Talladega is a sore point for him.
Historically, Talladega holds a special place for Busch, as he clinched victory here in the spring race two years ago. However, since his win at Gateway in June 2023, he has experienced a dry spell, leaving fans to wonder if he can break this winless streak during the upcoming race.
In a twist of fate, Busch qualified exceptionally well for this race, clocking in as the fastest Chevy and earning a notable position in P2. His RCR teammate Austin Dillon also made it into the top-10, adding to the team’s competitive edge. However, despite the promising qualifying results, Busch faces tough competition from Ford’s fleet of speedy Mustangs, which have proven to be formidable at superspeedways.
Busch’s recent performance has been a mixed bag, with only one top-10 finish in the last five races. This inconsistency has raised questions about his ability to reclaim his top form as the season progresses. Given the dynamics of superspeedway racing in the Cup Series, there will be ample opportunity for Busch to strategize and position himself effectively for a shot at victory in the grueling 500-mile race.
Crucially, the Xfinity Series race did not feature a “big one,” raising hopes that Busch could collaborate with his RCR teammate Austin Hill to secure a win. As the race unfolds, it remains to be seen if Busch can channel his talents effectively and overcome the inherent frustrations tied to NASCAR’s decision, all while seeking to end his winless drought.
