05/10/2021

Buescher Nets Second-Consecutive Top Ten With Strong Run in Darlington

DARLINGTON, S.C. (May 9, 2021) – Chris Buescher was up to the challenge presented by Darlington Raceway on Sunday afternoon, piloting his Fifth Third Bank Ford Mustang through tough track conditions to finish ninth. The run marks his second consecutive top ten finish, and further solidifies his position within the provisional NASCAR Playoff standings. 

Buescher began the day from the 11th position, but a slow restart from the front of his lane dropped him to 14th by the second lap of the race. Passing proved to be difficult for the opening run of the day, as two cautions and a cycle of green flag pit stops saw Buescher still in the 14th spot at the end of the first stage. 

The Fifth Third Ford Mustang was a consistent performer all race, running over 95% of the 293 laps in the top 15 positions. Starting the second stage from that 15th spot, Buescher began to methodically work his way forward through the field. He entered the top ten for the first time at lap 132 just before a round of green flag pit stops cycled through. Buescher would assume the lead for one lap before hitting pit road, and cycled out back to his previous running position to gain a valuable stage point and 10th-place finish in stage two of the event. 

As the sun began to fade at ‘The Lady in Black’, Buescher explored the high and low lanes to work his way forward in the closing laps of the race. He would pick off another spot just before the checkered flag to finish 9th, his third top ten finish of the season and second in a row. 

Buescher now sits 13th in the overall points standings, and 14th in the provisional playoff grid. The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Dover International Speedway next weekend for the 13th race of the regular season. Race coverage is set for 2 p.m. ET on Sunday on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM Channel 90.