Kevin Harvick is one win away from the first 10-win NASCAR Cup Series season since Jimmie Johnson accomplished the feat back in 2007. Harvick’s latest triumph came after a phenomenal duel with Kyle Busch in Saturday night’s Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Following the incredible win, Harvick shared the moment with the fans in attendance. An elated Harvick thrust his arms in the air and belted out a battle cry followed by a, “It’s Bristol baby!”
The crowd erupted.
“I just want to thank the fans, thank you guys,” Harvick said. “I was so jacked up when we started this race because of you guys.”
Busch gave it his all, as he is still looking for his first win of the 2020 season, but in the end second is the best his No. 18 car could muster.
“Just didn’t have enough there at the end. The guys did a great job and gave us a really great piece to contend and at least be up there and be close. Unfortunately, just didn’t have enough. Lapped cars were definitely a problem, but that’s part of racing.
Even though he finished runner up, which stings, Busch did secure himself a place in the Playoff Round of 12 with his run on Saturday.
Erik Jones was in a position to win if the top-two got into each other, but he came home a solid third.
Busch and Jones, Joe Gibbs Racing teammates, started in the rear after their cars failed pre-race inspection multiple times.
Tyler Reddick put together another solid run in fourth, while Aric Almirola finished an impressive fifth.
Clint Bowyer was the final car on the lead lap in sixth.
Chase Elliott, Chris Buescher, Ryan Preece and Michael McDowell rounded out the top-10 finishers.
Ryan Blaney, Matt DiBenedetto, William Byron and Cole Custer did not advance to the Round of 12 in the Playoffs.
Here is your updated 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Grid heading into the Round of 12:
- Kevin Harvick, +62
- Denny Hamlin, +43
- Brad Keselowski, +30
- Joey Logano, +17
- Chase Elliott, +16
- Martin Truex Jr., +11
- Alex Bowman, +4
- Austin Dillon, +0
—Cut Line—
9. Aric Almirola, -0
10. Kyle Busch, -1
11. Clint Bowyer, -1
12. Kurt Busch, -4
Post-Race Stat Pack:
