“It was a really big moment”: Chris Buescher recalls Watkins Glen win to Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Chris Buescher recently reflected on his win at Watkins Glen, describing it as a big check on his list. Discussing the dynamics of the race, Buescher explained that despite a challenging exit from turn 7 and momentarily forgetting to shift into third gear, he quickly adopted a victorious mindset and implemented it effectively on the track.

Buescher detailed how he overtook Shane van Gisbergen on the final lap to secure his initial win of the season, despite slight contact between their vehicles. During the final overtime restart, van Gisbergen initially advanced from the inside of the second row. As they approached Turn 1, Gisbergen pushed Buescher wide, seizing the lead.

However, Shane van Gisbergen then ran wide at the inner loop, touching the grass, which allowed Buescher to execute a crossover maneuver inside Gisbergen as they entered the carousel, leading to a minor collision.

Recalling the moment of victory, Buescher shared his thoughts during the latest episode of The Dale Jr. Download podcast:

"My turn 7 was... terrible exit. And I better get off the brakes because he was probably coming. Way over-drove the center but was just trying to cover. [...] I'm sitting there fist pumping from inside the car and almost forgot to grab third gear. I had to get that mindset back real quick, make sure I finish the job."

"Yeah, it was a really big moment. It was so cool for our entire group. we had such a fast race car really just came alive after a couple of laps. [...] That was special. That was a big check for it," he continued.

Although Chris Buescher has not qualified for the playoffs, and thus received no points, he currently occupies the 18th position, just two spots shy of the top-16 drivers, who are vying for a place in the round of 12.

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Chris Buescher has brought Ford on a win-streak

Chris Buescher's victory at Watkins Glen not only marked his first win of the season and RFK Racing's first road course win in a decade, but it also extended Ford's winning momentum in the NASCAR Cup Series.

The victory was Ford's fourth consecutive win, a feat they had not achieved since 2018, edging the manufacturer closer to an unprecedented fifth consecutive win in the Next Gen era—an accomplishment yet to be grabbed by any manufacturer since the introduction of Next Gen cars.

Looking ahead, the NASCAR Cup series will head to Bristol Motor Speedway next weekend, where Chris Buescher's team leader, Brad Keselowski, currently positioned at P14 on the playoff bubble, could potentially benefit from a similar push that he provided last year to the #17. Keselowski is currently 14 points behind the cutline for the Round of 12.