By: Zach Catanzareti, Staff Wtiter
While Joey Logano owned the day Monday at Michigan International Speedway, Kurt Busch came home as the next best thing.
Following an overtime restart in the FireKeepers Casino 400, Busch launched into the second position, with less than two laps to get by Logano.
Unable to make the pass, Busch settled for the second spot, tying his best finish of the year.
“Logano’s car was strong,” Busch said. “He led the most laps today and it was going to be tough to beat him. It was going to take two of us.”
Before Erik jones spun to bring out to final yellow, Busch was hooked up with Martin Truex Jr. in hopes of drafting past leader Logano. As their progress reached the yellow Ford, the caution changed it all.
“Truex and I, we were synched up,” he said. “I definitely had the vibe with him, we were drafting well to catch the No. 22, and then the yellow came out.”
With one more chance to pass Logano, it was all for naught.
“I got a draft by the No. 41 down the back straightaway, I cleared the No. 19, I just didn’t have enough speed to catch the No. 22,” he said. “I was going to push the [Nos.] 19 through the 22, that was my other plan. It didn’t work out.”
The aero package made for a whole new race, said Busch.
“It’s a whole different complexion,” he said. “The draft, handling, trying to get the combination right. We had so many new variables. The package really provided a unique experience for the drivers, the fans, for everybody watching.
“It was a whole different Michigan. That was the tightest I’ve ever pulled my belts at the end.”
With his fourth top-five finish of 2019, Busch felt there was no better day than Monday for his first season with Chip Ganassi Racing.
“It was our best race of the year,” he said. “With stage points, to finish second, run up front. That was a strong day for the Monster Energy Chevy. Hopefully, we can keep the trend going.”