Chris Buescher ties Jimmie Johnson in consecutive top-10 finishes on road courses

Once again, Chris Buescher found himself in the top-10 at a road course race and that puts him in rare company. Buescher has seven straight top-10 finishes on the road and that ties him eighth all-time. Other NASCAR drivers to have seven consecutive road course finishes are Jimmie Johnson, Terry Labonte, Mark Martin, and Rusty Wallace.

The RFK team has really turned it on this season. They are still looking for a couple of wins to get into the playoffs for sure. However, Chris Buescher continues to be consistent and races with a lot of confidence.

“Yeah our group did a fantastic job, RFK and the 17 team they brought a really fast Fifth Third Bank Mustang to this race track and I’m proud of them for it,” Buscher said to NASCAR after the Sonoma race. “Just needed to try and race with the 19 [Martin Truex Jr.]. I know we were better than the cars directly ahead of us there but I’d say the 19 is the only one I didn’t get a chance to see where I stacked up today.”

When asked about being among those greats, Buescher smiled and gave a great answer.

“Not bad for a redneck circle tracking out in Texas. But that – it’s not my background. I enjoy it. I enjoy doing this four or five times a year. It’s awesome to see the crowd and the fans show up in such massive numbers to these road races and appreciate the show. I’m proud of our group, they do a really good job. I’ve had some good teachers through the years that have helped me find my way and fine-tune. But I just enjoy doing it from time to time and I think that just helps your mindset going into it.”

When it comes to road courses, @Chris_Buescher put himself in the class of Jimmie Johnson, Terry Labonte, Mark Martin and Rusty Wallace.

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 12, 2023

Chris Buescher the road course specialist?

When you look at the last couple of seasons, Chris Buescher has really come alive on these road courses. The last time he failed to finish in the top-10 on the road was at COTA in 2022. Since then Buescher has been able to navigate the twists and turns and put up impressive numbers along the way.

In the seven consecutive top-10 finishes, Buescher is averaging a finishing position of about P6. Sonoma seems to be a course that he’s figured out in this Next Gen car. In 2022 he was unable to track down Daniel Suárez for the win, but finished runner-up. During the race on Sunday, he had the fastest car at one point but was caught up behind too many other drivers to contend for the win.

Still, P4 at Sonoma going into the off week isn’t a bad thing. While Chris Buescher would like to grab a win and secure his spot in the playoffs, he can likely get in on points. There have been 10 winners this season and with 10 races to go, it would be shocking if six other drivers picked up checkered flags.

Buescher can also rest a little easy this week since he moved up to 11th in the points standing. He is starting to remove himself from the bubble and get more comfortable with the idea of making the playoffs.