Rowdy Time in the Desert

Busch sweeps weekend in Arizona.

Avondale, Arizona – March 10, 2019 – Anthony Holbrook, Bluegrass Sports Nation    

Rowdy Kyle Bush driver of the #18 Skittles Toyota Camry, exhibited patience with experience to secure victory 199  in the TICKETGUARDIAN 500 presented by ISM Raceway (Formerly Phoenix International Raceway)., by Sweeping both Saturday’s  NASCAR Xfinity and Sunday’s Monster Cup Energy NASCAR Series race. 

ISM Raceway is classified as a tri-oval track with variable banking between 9-11 degrees at the corners and a distinctive bend on the backstretch known as “the Dogleg”.  Even though ISM Raceway opened in 1964, a Monster Cup NASCAR Series race was not hosted by ISM Raceway until the Checker 500 in 1988.  While viewing a race, Fans are treated with the astonishing dessert scenery.

Monster Cup Energy NASCAR Series will continue to enforce a Modified Package Format for TICKETGUARDIAN 500, utilizing Taller Spoilers, Supplemental Spacer and (Removal) of Areo Ducts.  The Package Changes are intended to increase horsepower from 550 hp. to 750 hp. which will promoting closer racing while creating downforce to the car.

Posting a lap of 141.27 mph.,  Young Gun,  Ryan Blaney driver of the #12 MoneyLion Ford Mustang captured pole position for the TICKETGUARDIAN 500, earning his 6^th career pole and 2^nd at ISM Raceway.

Stage 1

Pole Sitter Blaney took advantage of the clean air factor, and led the first 35 laps of Stage 1.  The remaining laps, filtered with a Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Ford caution, allowed Ryan Blaney to regain the lead and win Stage 1 contest.

Stage 2

Kyle Busch navigated the field under caution to win the Stage 2 contest.

Final Stage

Ryan Blaney decision to take only two tires, while other contenders acquired four fresh Goodyear Eagles, at the final pit stop, allowed his Mustang to regain the point and quest for the win.

Over a long green-flag run, Kyle Bush patiently dialed in, and passed Ryan Blaney’s Ford Mustang with 16 laps counting down in the final stage.

Martin Truex Jr. Driver of the Gibbs owner Bass Pro Toyota also took advantage of Ryan Blaney’s tire/fuel issue and collected Second place finish, Ryan Blaney settled for Third , Aric Almirola Driver of the Stuart-Haas Ford logged in a Fourth place finish, and rounding out the top Five finishers, goes to Joe Gibbs Racing Owned Fed-Ex Toyota driven by 2019 Daytona 500 Winner Denny Hamblin.

TICKETGUARDIAN 500 Result

Pos.   Driver             Owner                     Manufacturer

1        Kyle Bush            Joe Gibbs Racing        Toyota

2        Martin Truex Jr.  Joe Gibbs Racing         Toyota

3        Ryan Blaney       Team Penske                Ford

4        Aric Almirola        Stewart-Haas Racing   Ford

5        Denny Hamblin   Joe Gibbs Racing         Toyota

6        Kyle Larson         Chip-Ganasi Racing     Chevy

7        Kurt Bush            Chip-Ganasi Racing     Chevy

8        Jimmy Johnson   Hendrick Motorsports   Chevy

9        Kevin Harvick      Stewart-Haas Racing    Ford

10      Joey Logano       Team Penske                Ford

Recent ISM Raceway winner-Kyle Bush will attempt to collect his 200^th NASCAR victory at Fontana, finishing up the West Coast Swing.

Race 5 of the Monster Energy NASCAR Series travels to Fontana, California,   Sunday March 17 2019,  3:30  p.m.     The Auto Club Speedway  400     FOX     MRN