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 6th career pole and 2nd 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 200th 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