We’re not smashing pumpkins heading into October, we’re smashing watermelons!
Ross Chastain was able to fend off William Byron in the closing laps of the Hollywood Casino 400 to win at Kansas Speedway. Thanks to an excellent strategy call by Phil Surgen to pit on lap 159, the No. 1 Kabota Chevrolet Camaro got the track position it needed to fight for the win. Beyond out-dueling the Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, the Alva, Florida native also had to battle a hungry Kyle Busch.
When the pair approached the lapped car of Chase Briscoe with less than 35 laps to go, the driver of the No. 8 BetMGM Chevrolet got desperate. With Chastain in his rearview mirror, Busch has no other option but to go for a small gap between the No. 14 Mahindra Tractors Ford and the wall. With the air disrupting the drive of his car, his Camaro spun out, destroying their chances at a win. But is Briscoe to blame for this?
As one driver’s disappointment came later in the race, several drivers saw their frustrations start early. For Chase Elliott, the team discovered an engine issue before qualifying, resulting in an engine change. With the No. 9 NAPA Chevrolet starting at the tail end of the field, the team had their work cut out for them. What made things worse was an incident on the opening lap when Chris Buescher checked up, causing a pileup of cars behind him. Fortunately for the Dawsonville, Georgia native, the team was able to rally from this wreck for a top-10 finish. However, for drivers like Josh Berry, their day ended abruptly at the cost of the DVP rule, which has been turning heads as of late.
Join Taylor Kitchen in the latest episode of Above The Yellow Line to analyze the Hollywood Casino 400.
