We came here to rock the party and we will. After narrowly missing the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, Chris Buescher was devastated. However, he came into his own quickly enough to become a dangerous threat for the playoff leaders.
The No.17 Ford returned to Victory Lane in full force after a one-year absence on Sunday. But it wasn’t easy, as team leader Buescher said. The RFK Racing driver encountered many obstacles on his way. They range from the tricky curves of Watkins Glen to what is arguably NASCAR’s best street racer,but Buescher was determined to regain his team’s glory, despite the rough roads he had navigated before. “station” had been added was erected. Hard braking zones and numerous difficult turns were also challenges that Chris Buescher overcame. Then his crew chief, Scott Graves, said his indomitable spirit finally ended No17’s winless streak “I like it. I mean, that’s the level and the determination we’re looking for. You know, the persistence to not give up. It is very difficult in these races because you think you have everything. You have four and a half seconds ahead and you tell yourself it’s going to be easy. And then come the warnings. Then there is another warning and another warning.
Before Go Bowling at the Glen 2024, Chris Buescher had not been able to score better than 7th on this complicated road course. This time, when the crème de la crème of the competition fell, he took his car from 24th place to first place. This made Graves even prouder. “It’s not easy to win these races. I know people always say, ‘Go out there and win the race!'” It’s not that easy, is it? We’ve been there many times and it’s not that easy. So for him to come out and do what he did… and make sure he wins… I’m proud of him. Not only did Chris Buescher face a tough track, but also a strong rival. None other than Shane van Gisbergen threatened him, but to no avail.Since Shane van Gisbergen entered the NASCAR scene, he has shown what he is made of. It is also steel when it comes to road courses. The Kiwi Speedster won the Chicago Road Race in his NASCAR debut. This year he has three Xfinity road race wins: Portland, Sonoma and of course Chicago. Watkins Glen was expecting yet another magical win from Gisbergen, and the final laps all but sealed it. However, Chris Buescher did not give up and charged down the inside of Turn 5 to collide with the No 1 Chevrolet16 of Gisbergen. He held it long enough to get the win.
Chris Buescher’s resurgence in the 2024 NASCAR season is one of the more remarkable comeback stories of the year. After narrowly missing the playoffs, Buescher’s determination and consistency have turned him into a legitimate threat to the playoff contenders, particularly on road courses—a discipline where he has shown great improvement. His victory at Watkins Glen marked his triumphant return to Victory Lane and signaled that RFK Racing is a team to watch in the upcoming races.Watkins Glen International has always been a challenging circuit for Buescher, with his best finish prior to the 2024 season being 7th place. The technical nature of the course, with its high-speed straights, hard braking zones, and tricky turns, often demands the best from drivers and their teams. For Buescher, overcoming these obstacles was a testament to his growth as a driver. Despite starting in 24th position, Buescher methodically worked his way through the field, keeping pace with some of NASCAR’s best road course racers.
Perhaps the most significant challenge of the race came from none other than Shane van Gisbergen, the Kiwi sensation who has taken NASCAR by storm with his mastery of road courses. Van Gisbergen, who won the inaugural Chicago Street Race and has already secured three Xfinity road course victories in 2024, was a heavy favorite at Watkins Glen. His reputation as one of the best road racers in the world made him a formidable opponent.
Throughout the race, van Gisbergen applied pressure on Buescher, with many anticipating another magical win from the No. 1 Chevrolet. However, Buescher demonstrated both skill and determination, defending his lead fiercely. In a pivotal moment during the final laps, Buescher made a decisive move on van Gisbergen in Turn 5, holding off the Kiwi’s advances and securing the victory.
Buescher’s victory was not just a personal triumph but a team effort. RFK Racing, led by crew chief Scott Graves, played a crucial role in navigating the challenges of the race. Graves emphasized the importance of persistence and teamwork, noting that victories in NASCAR, especially on challenging tracks like Watkins Glen, are never easy.“It’s not just about the driver; it’s about the entire team executing perfectly,” Graves said after the race. “We’ve faced so many challenges this season, but Chris never gave up.He showed the kind of resilience and spirit we need to compete at the highest level.”This win was more than just another tally for RFK Racing. It marked a significant breakthrough for the No. 17 Ford team, ending a winless streak and proving that they have the capability to compete with the best teams in NASCAR. For Buescher, it was a moment of redemption and a signal that his career is far from over.
With his victory at Watkins Glen, Chris Buescher has solidified himself as a key contender on road courses and as a dark horse in the NASCAR Cup Series. As the season continues, both fans and competitors will be watching closely to see if Buescher can maintain his momentum and challenge for more wins—perhaps even making a deep playoff run.The road to success in NASCAR is filled with twists and turns, but if his performance at Watkins Glen is any indication, Buescher has the skill, the team, and the determination to make his mark on the 2024 season. The victory wasn’t just about breaking a winless streak; it was a statement that Chris Buescher and RFK Racing are back, and they are ready to rock the party.
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