Who Says Nice Guys Always Finish Last?
Who doesn’t love an underdog? Rooting for an underdog is every bit American as apple pie and hot dogs. It’s especially cool when that underdog is also a nice guy. That’s exactly what happened in NASCAR Monday afternoon as Chris Buescher beat the field and the weather to capture his first NASCAR Sprint Cup victory at Pocono Raceway.
Throngs of fans battled the weather all weekend at the Tricky Triangle only to be treated with the best “feel good” story in NASCAR recent memory. Out of an absolutely miserable weather weekend came a gem. While many fans were unable to stay over from Sunday’s cancelation of the Pocono Pennsylvania 400, the many who did were glad they did.
The fog shortened race had it all. It had wonderful side by side racing. It had strategy. It had weather. Oh yeah, the weather.
In the end, the race was stopped 22 laps short of a complete scheduled 160 laps and because of pit strategy, Buescher found himself at the front of the field. Buescher than had to wait out the weather and used some humor to get through what must have been a tremendously stressful period.
“I’m thinking of every kind of rain dance I can think of,” Buescher told his Crew Chief on the radio.
Buescher is an accomplished driver. He’s won at every level he has raced at including being the reigning Xfinity Series Champion. He is no slosh. He also happens to be a wonderful human being.
In his first full season driving for Front Row Motorsports, he has teamed with veteran and well regarded Crew Chief Bob Osborne. Osborne’s late race call, along with the infamous Pocono fog, played right into the hands of the talented 23 year old rookie driver.
Usually at these races where fuel mileage reign supreme or weather shortens the race, most fans are left with that short change feeling. Not this one. This one was well received in the garage area by other drivers and their respective teams. I think I know why.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Chris. He’s a polite, respectful, and gracious young man. The kind parents hope their children become.
Just ask Tony Stewart who said this just before NASCAR called the race making Buescher the race winner. “He’s a good kid. It doesn’t matter how you get your first win. You just want to get your first win. I hope it works out for him.”
Moments later Buescher was awarded the victory and there were many smiling faces in the garage. A nice guy finishing first.
Thanks for reading. Listen to WTBQ radio on Monday and Friday mornings at 8:45 as I join Frank, Taylor and the Morning Show gang to discuss all the current happenings in NASCAR. You can also follow me on twitter @JimLaplante
