Chris Buescher and Tyler Reddick engaged in a fierce battle in the closing laps of the NASCAR race at Darlington. Reddick attempted a bold move off Turn 4, resulting in a collision between the two drivers, ultimately sending them both to pit road with flat tires.
This incident allowed Brad Keselowski, Buescher’s teammate at RFK Racing, to take advantage and secure the lead with eight laps remaining. Keselowski successfully fended off Ty Gibbs to claim the victory, marking his first win since becoming a co-owner of RFK Racing in 2022 and his 36th career win.
The win was significant not only for Keselowski but also for Ford, as it marked the first victory for a Ford driver in any of NASCAR’s three national series (Cup, Xfinity, and Trucks) in the season. Keselowski expressed his elation at the victory, emphasizing the significance of Darlington Speedway and the intense battle on the track.
Despite losing the lead late in the race, Keselowski remained confident in his car’s performance on long runs, knowing he had another opportunity when Buescher and Reddick made contact.
Following the race, Buescher confronted Reddick about the incident, expressing his frustration at the aggressive racing tactics. Reddick took responsibility for the collision, acknowledging his role in the altercation. Despite the disappointment for Buescher, who had narrowly lost to Kyle Larson the previous week, the race saw Josh Berry finishing third, followed by Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe rounding out the top five.
The race unfolded in three stages, with Larson dominating Stage 1 before Reddick claimed victory in Stage 2. Stage 3 saw Keselowski gradually closing in on Reddick before ultimately overtaking him for the lead. A caution brought about by Larson’s crash late in the race set the stage for a final dash to the finish, with Reddick and Keselowski engaging in intense side-by-side racing. However, Buescher seized the lead with a daring move, only to face pressure from Reddick in the closing laps.
Despite the challenges and drama throughout the race, Keselowski emerged victorious, securing a memorable win at Darlington Speedway. The race showcased intense competition, strategic pit stops, and moments of high drama, ultimately culminating in Keselowski’s triumph and a memorable day for RFK Racing.