As the playoffs fade into the rearview mirror, the NASCAR community remains abuzz after an electrifying showdown at Daytona. The high-stakes nature of the regular season finale spurred relentless competition and do-or-die moments. And the event gifted fans with a familiar victor, showcasing absolute dominance from the RFK camp. The race proved an exhilarating rollercoaster, with three-wide racing becoming the expected norm.

From the very first laps, tensions ran high, setting the stage for a truly action-packed Stage 1. The asphalt became a battlefield for manufacturers. The regular season finale’s dramatic conclusion bore witness to heartbreak. Missed playoff spots, race-ending DNFs, and a poignant radio exchange from a seasoned veteran marked the event, as he observed his former team triumph on their way to the stage end.

Kyle Busch’s radio moment amidst former team’s triumphant journey

The playoff grid took shape with the Fords of the Stewart-Haas duo, Chase Briscoe and Aric Almirola, locking in their positions in the front. While they successfully commanded the lead for several laps, it was the dwindling moments of Stage 1 that intensified the atmosphere and brought forth an unexpected victor.

Given Martin Truex Jr.’s clinching of the regular season championship at Daytona, it wasn’t a surprise to witness him leading the pack. However, the suddenness of it left many stunned. Although the starting grid prominently featured the two Fords at the forefront, the conclusion of Stage 1 showcased a Toyota masterclass—a fact that didn’t escape the attention of drivers, notably the RCR ace and former Toyota pilot.

Kyle Busch’s longstanding history with Toyota stretches back years. A dominant 15-year partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing saw Busch secure two championships and reign supreme in the victory lane. Yet, 2022 concluded with a heart-wrenching twist. The absence of support from JGR and Toyota became glaringly evident as Busch, who had been promised a continued partnership, was left high and dry for the 2023 season.

Scrambling to secure a drive, Busch joined forces with Richard Childress and Chevrolet, a move that cast doubts on his future. However, these doubts were dispelled at the start of the season when Busch clinched three victories. Despite high hopes, the 2023 season took a downturn as wins and dominance proved short-lived. Midway through the season, Busch grappled with mechanical failures, putting a damper on his performance.

Last week’s race day commenced with Briscoe and Almirola leading the pack from Daytona. However, later stages witnessed a sharp decline in their positions. Briscoe led for 23 laps before Denny Hamlin‘s No. 11 Toyota took the reins. The stage progressed with Joe Gibbs’ Toyotas asserting dominance, with Christopher Bell securing second place and Martin Truex Jr. seizing Stage 1.

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As his former team and previous manufacturer showcased their supremacy in Daytona’s Stage 1, Busch’s radio communication was far from reserved. “How did the Toyotas march up there and take the lead? What the fu*k happened?” his frustration echoed through the airwaves.

Top highlights of 2023: The thrilling reawakening of RFK Racing

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“What the f*** happened?” The answer to that question evolved from Stage 1 to the race’s conclusion in a manner that defied expectations. Stage 1 end saw the Joe Gibbs duo poised with their Toyotas, yet the race’s finale delivered an unforeseen twist.

Although reminiscent of scenes witnessed at Michigan and Richmond when RFK Racing and Chris Buescher secured consecutive wins, their victory at Daytona was unquestionably surprising. Amidst the absence of RFK Racing in the predicted list of Daytona winners, they clinched a 1-2 victory, their first since 2014. This positioned them as a dominant Ford powerhouse, surpassing the ever-dominating Team Penske and Stewart-Haas Racing.

In the electrifying overtime moments, Buescher seized the lead and staunchly maintained his position, with his teammate and co-owner hot on his tail. Buescher celebrated his third victory of the season, a remarkable feat for a racer who had only claimed two career wins in his eight full-time seasons prior.

This revival owes much to Brad Keselowski, who not only took on the role of driver but also that of co-owner in 2022 by joining RFK Racing after parting ways with his longstanding partner, Team Penske. Despite a challenging inaugural season that saw Keselowski miss the playoffs for the first time since his rookie year, the resurgence of RFK Racing under his leadership in the 2023 season was an unexpected yet highly welcomed surprise.

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As Daytona proved, far from a snooze-fest, the adrenaline is still pumping. Now, with the energy still electric, NASCAR fans flock to the historic Darlington Raceway, hoping for another unforgettable action-packed spectacle.