RFK Racing Drivers Making Playoff Strides in 2023
Last year, both RFK Racing drivers failed to qualify for the NASCAR playoffs and finished outside the top-20 in points. However, the 2023 season has seen significant improvements for Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher. Both drivers have made it into the Round of 12, with Buescher still in contention for the championship.
Buescher, piloting the No. 17 Ford Mustang, experienced a remarkable hot streak towards the end of the regular season, winning three races in just six weeks. This impressive run came after only two previous wins in his entire career. Despite a tire failure incident at Kansas, Buescher’s playoff performance has been consistent.
Approaching Race #33 of the 36-race season, Buescher remains focused and unwavering. In a recent media interview, he stated that there are no drastic changes in his approach. He has received appreciations and support but believes that his team’s consistent performance has brought them this far. Buescher is confident that they have the capacity to advance to the next playoff round.
Buescher emphasizes that his team cannot be ignored anymore. They have showcased their abilities by outrunning many of the early-season favorites consistently throughout the second half of the year. As the playoffs progress, Buescher believes that everyone is aware of RFK Racing’s presence and their potential to advance further.
Of the former Cup champions and last year’s Championship 4 drivers, only Buescher and Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney are still in the title contention, making it an unprecedented situation for Buescher. While he has made the playoffs once before in 2016, he was eliminated in the first round. Winning championships at the NASCAR Xfinity and ARCA Menard’s Series without a playoff format, Buescher acknowledges that the current scenario is new and challenging.
As Buescher approaches the final four races, he acknowledges the significant stakes involved. Unlike his previous championship runs, where he built substantial points gaps and focused on a few remaining races, now he is solely focused on the upcoming race. Buescher is not thinking too far ahead and knows that each weekend’s performance can dictate the next steps.
Ultimately, this season presents a different approach for Buescher and his team. The intense focus remains on each race weekend without being distracted by future events. While the championship pressure is higher, Buescher is determined to maintain his team’s race-by-race approach.
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Olivia Carter revs up excitement in the world of NASCAR. As a dedicated motorsports enthusiast, she covers race results, driver profiles, and the latest developments in the NASCAR world, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.