Chris Buescher: From ARCA Grind to NASCAR Resurgence
Often labeled an underdog despite consistent strong performances, NASCAR Cup Series driver Chris Buescher is no stranger to adversity.Buescher, currently driving for RFK Racing, reflects on his early racing days, acknowledging the relentless grind that shaped his career.
Early Struggles Forged Resilience
Buescher’s journey began in the ARCA Menards Series, where he faced significant challenges. Driving for Roulo Brothers Racing near Chicago, the team operated with limited resources, relying heavily on volunteers. Buescher recalls working upwards of 89 hours a week, a stark contrast to the support enjoyed by many of his competitors. Despite the pressure, he recognizes those times with fondness, acknowledging the joy he didn’t fully appreciate then.
ARCA Champion: A Sign of Things to Come
From 2009 to 2013, Buescher competed in the ARCA ranks, achieving a significant milestone in 2012.At 19, he won the ARCA championship, completing all 19 races without a single DNF (Did Not Finish). This historic feat made him the first and only driver in ARCA history to complete every lap of every race in a season. Buescher won the title by a convincing 75-point margin over veteran driver Frank kimmel.
Xfinity Success and Cup Series Underdog Status
Buescher continued his ascent, showcasing his talent in the xfinity Series. He finished seventh in his rookie full-time season and secured the Xfinity Series championship in his second year. Even with consistent performances and notable moments in the Cup Series – including a win at Watkins Glen against Shane van Gisbergen and a near-win at Kansas, where he was edged out by Kyle Larson by a mere 0.001 seconds (the tightest finish in NASCAR Cup Series history) – Buescher is often viewed as an underdog.
Unfazed and Focused on the Future
When asked if the underdog label bothers him,Buescher remains unfazed. He acknowledges that he has been in that position for most of his career. He also points to RFK’s resurgence, adding “To some extent, we should be in the conversation a little bit more. We’ve been able to put results up on the board and acquire wins and be a rather large part of the resurgence here at RFK.”
Bristol Next: A Track Where Buescher Excels
Looking ahead, Buescher is preparing for the upcoming race at Bristol Motor Speedway. His overall average finish at Bristol is 18.2. However,his performance in the Next Gen car at this track has been substantially better,boasting an average finish of 6.5 over four races. This includes a win, two top-5 finishes, and one top-10, suggesting he could be a strong contender.
What challenges did Chris Buescher face transitioning from ARCA to NASCAR?
chris Buescher: From ARCA Grind to NASCAR Resurgence - Q&A
Dive deeper into the story of Chris Buescher with these frequently asked questions:
Q&A
Q: What is the ARCA Menards Series, and why is it important?
A: The ARCA Menards Series is a stepping stone in stock car racing, often used by drivers to gain experience before moving to NASCAR. Buescher’s success there,including winning the championship,showcased his talent and determination.
Q: How tough was it for Buescher in the ARCA series?
A: It was incredibly tough! He worked nearly 90 hours a week, often with limited resources. This “grind” built his resilience, a crucial trait for any racer.
Q: What’s so special about completing every lap in an ARCA season?
A: It’s a testament to consistency and reliability! Buescher is the *only* driver in ARCA history to complete every single lap of every race in a championship season.This helped him win the ARCA championship in 2012.
Q: What is RFK Racing?
A: RFK Racing is a NASCAR Cup Series team. Chris Buescher currently drives the #17 Ford Mustang for the team. The “RFK” in RFK Racing represents the team owners, including NASCAR Hall of Famer, and team co-owner, and driver, Ryan Newman,
Q: Why is Buescher considered an underdog?
A: Despite his wins, championships, and strong performances, Buescher often races against teams with bigger budgets and more established reputations.
Q: What’s Buescher’s outlook for Bristol?
A: Buescher has a strong record at Bristol in the Next Gen car,with a win and multiple top-five finishes. He’s poised to be a strong contender.
Q: What was the closest finish in NASCAR history?
A: It was at Kansas! Kyle Larson edged out Buescher by a mere 0.001 seconds!
Q: What does “DNF” mean?
A: “DNF” stands for “Did Not Finish.” it means a driver didn’t complete a race due to mechanical failure, crash, or other issues.
Q: What are the Xfinity Series and the cup Series?
A: These are both NASCAR racing series. The Xfinity Series is considered a developmental series, and the Cup Series is the top level of NASCAR.
Q: How does Buescher feel about being an underdog?
A: Buescher embraces it. He’s focused on the future and RFK Racing’s resurgence, aiming to prove he belongs in the top conversation.
Ready to see if chris Buescher can continue his success at Bristol? Tune in and watch the underdog story unfold!
