
via Getty
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Halloween Toyota, stands on the grid prior to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

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KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Halloween Toyota, stands on the grid prior to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Kyle Busch won at Texas earlier this week, but it came at a cost for Joe Gibbs Racing. While Busch is not in contention to make the championship race and win a title, his teammate Martin Truex Jr. needed a strong result at Texas to improve his chances. While he got one, a win would have sealed his spot for Phoenix.
Truex Jr. came very close to that win as he and Busch battled for the top spot in Texas. In light of that, Busch, although happy for his own win, says he ‘felt like crap’ as it affected Truex Jr’s chances.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s really cool. I take that back. I feel like crap,” Busch said after he was asked his views on a Joe Gibbs Racing top-two sweep.
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“The 19 needed to win a race, obviously, in order to move on and punch their ticket to the Championship Round, and I’m that guy that spoils it for them,” Busch said further.

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Darlington, South Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott (9) and Martin Truex Jr. (19) race during the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
What made Kyle Busch edge Truex Jr. for the win?
Truex Jr’s win was important from the championship point of view. However, Busch’s win was also important for personal pride, and to maintain an important streak. The defending champion was winless all season, and the pressure was building on him.
“You know, I’m thinking of that as we’re coming down to the finish, too, but I’m like, I’ve got to win, man,” the 35-year-old said.
Busch said there are no orders from their respective teams at Joe Gibbs Racing and drivers run on merit.
“Like there’s obviously no team orders and we do things straight up and as fast as we can be, we’ve got to be,” Busch expressed.

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Sep 27, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) leads driver Kevin Harvick (4) and a group during the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Will he do the same at Martinsville?
He admitted he had thought of how Truex Jr has a good chance to win at Martinsville due to his stellar record when he decided to pass him towards the end. However, if it comes down to the two of them on Sunday again, Busch will again contend for a win and not hold back.
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“Hopefully they can go out there and do well, maybe win again. I’d like to win Martinsville. It would really suck again if he finishes second to me, but that would be 2020, wouldn’t it?” Busch concluded by saying.
NO WINLESS SEASONS! Retweet to congratulate @KyleBusch on his WIN at Texas Motor Speedway.
Results» https://t.co/FUlMLo54cM pic.twitter.com/4zVquhbfdM
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) October 29, 2020
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It was fair enough for Busch to do what he did at Texas and potentially again at Martinsville. However, Truex Jr. will certainly make things tougher for him this time, as he knows he needs a win.
Read more – “At Least 10 More Years” – Kyle Busch Makes a Huge Revelation About His NASCAR Future
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