NASCAR results at Pocono: Kyle Busch ends drought with first career win at Tricky Triangle.
Busch performed a bump-and-run move on Kevin Harvick with 16 laps remaining to take the lead in Sunday’s Overton’s 400 at Pocono Raceway and held on for his first victory in 36 races.
Unlike last Sunday’s caution-ridden Brickyard 400, only five yellow flags were shown at Pocono, with the final 60 laps finishing under green, bringing into play a number of fuel strategies for drivers looking to punch their ticket to the playoffs with just five races remaining before the start of the final stretch.
Putting strategy into play well before the end of the race at the three-turn, 2.5-mile track, Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr. decided to pit from the lead with three laps remaining in Stage 2.
Truex was in position for the win until getting stuck behind lapped traffic with 26 laps to go as Harvick shot by, and into second behind Hamlin among cars which had pitted.
Sunday at Pocono was one of just three occasions this season which NASCAR held Cup qualifying on the same day of the race.
“This is also a meaningful win for me in another way.
This is the first time I’ve been to victory lane in a points-paying race since my grandmother passed away.
This one’s for her, and she’s smiling down on us here today, and I appreciate that.” Harvick finished second followed by Truex, Hamlin and Brad Keselowski.
78 team.