The recent Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway ended in dramatic fashion, with Kyle Busch missing out on the win on an intense final lap, drawing widespread criticism not only from fans, but also from racing veteran Kyle Petty.
Historically, Daytona has proven to be a challenge for Busch, who has only one victory there since winning in 2008 despite his impressive 63 career Cup Series victories.
Busch appeared poised to take the win, leading the race as it approached its climax but eventually relinquishing the lead in a thrilling finish. Harrison Burton, aided by Parker Retzlaff who gave him a little kiss to push him onto the tarmac, made a last-minute pass.
Burton’s block on Busch secured Burton’s victory and his playoff spot, leaving Busch to settle for second.
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Petty, known for his honest comments, didn’t hold back in his post-race analysis, expressing his bewilderment and criticism of Busch’s handling of the final moments.
“HAS [Kyle Busch] Forgot how to race speedway?
“What in God’s name happened? He has control of the race on a green-white checkerboard. He has the inside line, [and] He arrives there with his friend Christopher Bell who will help him because they were teammates at one point.
“They take the green flag, they take control of the race, they roll down the track on that first lap. Harrison Burton and Parker Retzlaff in the No. 62 car, who had the biggest influence on the outcome of the race.
“Yes, I know he finished seventh, but he changed the face of this race.”
He continued:
“Kyle Busch is on the inside and who comes on the outside? Harrison Burton with Parker right behind him, throwing him forward. And as soon as Harrison Burton gets in front, he pulls him down and he blocks Kyle Busch.”
Petty also suggested that Busch review race footage to refine his strategies:
“Has Kyle Busch never seen Joey Logano or Brad Keselowski take the lead in a speedway race? Doesn’t he know what video is? Someone needs to send him a DVR of some kind. Send him some old race footage so he can figure it out.”
On the other hand, Busch shared his frustrations with the conclusion of the race and his inability to secure a victory:
“It’s just frustrating. We led the races here at Daytona before the last restart and we couldn’t get the win,” Busch said. “I don’t know what it is, what I’m doing wrong or what I’m missing.
“It seems like the energy has dislocated from turn 2 and number 20 [Bell] it got twisted and wasn’t on my rear bumper like it should have been.
“The outside lane just passed. I wanted to get in front of number 21. [Burton] “Because I knew the momentum was coming. But I knew No. 20 was a best friend. It just didn’t work out.”
The implications of that Daytona finish are significant for Busch as the season moves toward the Southern 500 at Darlington. Having to win to make the playoffs, which he hasn’t missed since 2012, adds a lot of pressure. So his performance at Daytona was more than just a missed victory.
