×

Busch wins NASCAR season title

HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Kyle Busch emerged from the Joe Gibbs Racing juggernaut as NASCAR’s latest champion, winning his second title Sunday after two teammates were slowed by pit-road gaffes.

Busch won the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway to snap a 21-race losing streak and beat Gibbs teammates Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr., as well as rival Kevin Harvick, for the Cup. Busch won the 2015 title and joins seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson as the only active drivers with multiple titles.

“Ol’ two-timer out there,”î crew chief Adam Stevens radioed. “I’m proud of you buddy.î”

The 34-year-old Busch, somewhat subdued, simply thanked his crew.

“Awesome job, guys,”î he said. His crew climbed the pit wall and handed Busch the championship flag for his post-race celebration.

When he was met on the frontstretch by 4-year-old son Brexton, who immediately asked: “Dad are you going to throw me in the air again?” about their celebratory tradition.

Busch had raced for the championship in each of the last three seasons but fell short a year ago in part because of his crew’s own pit error.

This time, it was Truex and Hamlin bitten by silly mistakes. Truex dominated early but fell a lap back after his crew put tires on the wrong side of his Toyota. Hamlin fell out of contention when a crew member placed a large piece of tape across the front of his car that caused his engine to overheat and Hamlin had to make an unscheduled pit stop.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today