Kurt Busch started third in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Pocono 350 at Pocono Raceway, but by the end of lap one, Busch had a firm grasp on the lead.
After a nearly 51 minute red flag for rain, which stopped the action at lap six, Busch had stiff competition from Ryan Blaney for the top spot.
However, even with last weekend’s winner from Talladega breathing down his neck, Busch was able to hold serve and hold on for the Stage 1 win.
Christopher Bell finished a strong third in the Stage, and this comes on the heels of a career-best fourth-place finish on Saturday at Pocono. Bell will look to back that up on Sunday.
Kevin Harvick and Brad Keselowski were fourth and fifth.
Matt DiBenedetto, Chris Buescher, Martin Truex Jr., Kyle Busch and Cole Custer rounded out the top-10 in the opening Stage.
Stage and Playoff Points Awarded in Stage 1:
| Finish | Driver | Stage Points | Playoff Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kurt Busch | 10 | 1 |
| 2 | Ryan Blaney | 9 | 0 |
| 3 | Christopher Bell | 8 | 0 |
| 4 | Kevin Harvick | 7 | 0 |
| 5 | Brad Keselowski | 6 | 0 |
| 6 | Matt DiBenedetto | 5 | 0 |
| 7 | Chris Buescher | 4 | 0 |
| 8 | Martin Truex Jr. | 3 | 0 |
| 9 | Kyle Busch | 2 | 0 |
| 10 | Cole Custer | 1 | 0 |
