Avondale, Ariz. – It’s a family thing.
Even as Kyle Busch celebrated victory Sunday, he stood up for older brother Kurt, who was suspended by his team earlier in the day for a Friday night run-in with police.
“I just want to say I’m behind my brother 100 percent,” the 20-year-old said after standing on top of his No. 5 Chevrolet and waving to the cheering crowd at Phoenix International Raceway.
Kurt Busch, the reigning Cup champion, was set down by Roush Racing earlier in the day for the final two races of the season because of a Friday night run-in with police.
Chase leader Tony Stewart finished fourth and holds a 52-point advantage over Jimmie Johnson, who finished seventh. Stewart also has an 87-point cushion over Carl Edwards, who came into the race with two straight victories but finished sixth.
Kyle Busch was able to put aside his feelings long enough to win a race in which he had to battle back from a lap down and then outrace title contender Greg Biffle for his second Cup victory in 41 starts.
“You just try to put all that stuff aside and deal with it another time,” the youngster said. “This isn’t the area for all that stuff. Just being out here to perform my best is what I’m here to do week in and week out, and there shouldn’t be any kind of distractions.
“Whether or not you’re on the rocks with your girlfriend or you’re doing whatever else outside the racetrack, you come in here and get in that race car, you’re focused and you’re down to one duty, and that’s obviously to win the race.”
Kurt Busch was suspended by his team after police accused him of reckless driving.
The younger Busch defended his brother: “Usually, things in the media are false and that’s just what it comes down to.”
When he was questioned about what he meant by that statement, Busch said, “I’m not going there, bud.”
He then walked out of the winner’s news conference. But he returned about 20 minutes later and made a quiet statement before answering more questions about the race.
Unlike his younger brother, Kurt Busch made the 10-man Chase for the championship but was running in eighth, virtually eliminated from a shot at winning another title. Kenny Wallace filled in for the Roush team on Sunday and finished 16th.
Biffle’s Roush Racing Ford dominated the race, leading 189 of the 312 laps in the Checker Auto Parts 500. But the younger Busch, who drives for Hendrick Motorsports, used a pit stop strategy to get track position, taking the lead for the first time on lap 230 by staying out when the leaders pitted.
Biffle, who pitted, had slipped all the way to 13th for the ensuing restart. The Roush driver sliced through traffic and eventually caught and passed Busch on lap 280. But the youngster wouldn’t give up, challenging the veteran and regaining the lead for good on lap 285.
Nextel Cup/glance
Key to victory: Rookie Kyle Busch challenged veteran Greg Biffle most of the day and regained the lead for good on lap 285 (out of 312) with a strong inside move on the 1-mile oval.
What you might have missed: Jeff Gordon’s third-place finish was another sign of a revival of his fortunes. The four-time NASCAR series champion is 11th in the points standings, 10 points ahead of Jamie McMurray. An 11th-place finish pays a $1 million bonus.
Back on track: Sunday, Ford 400, Homestead-Miami Speedway, 1 p.m., KUSA-9.
(POST WIRE SERVICES)
