Isabella Robusto wrecks on lap 2 after starting on pole at Kansas
Today started out so promising for Isabella Robusto at Kansas Speedway. It was over by Lap 2 for the pole-sitter. For her first race on a 1.5-mile NASCAR track, this is not how she wanted to see the night end.
Isabella Robusto won the pole earlier today. It was clear that she was uncomfortable with other cars in the field, but then again, she never got a chance to get comfortable.
As Robusto fell back through the field and tried to collect herself, she wasn’t clear, tried to move in front of Andres Perez, and then she was in the wall.
Just a really tough way for this promising development driver to end her night. Isabella Robusto is seen as one of the best prospects under 25 in NASCAR, regardless of gender. She is an athletic driver with a lot of potential.
At 19 years old, Robusto has moved up the ladder quickly. She started out in go-karts and by 2020 at 16 years old, she was racing Late Model Stock Cars. Since joining the Toyota TRD development program, Robusto has been getting more and more experience.
In her ARCA career across the national, East, and West series, Robusto has two top-10s and five top-5s. Today’s finish at Kansas just does not represent the skills she brings to the car.
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Isabella Robusto out early at Kansas
When Isabella Robusto won the pole, it was impressive. Connor Zilisch, Corey Day, and other young development drivers are in this race. She was able to get around the track faster than all of them to start on the pole.
I’m not sure if Robusto was going to be able to win today. There are a lot of talented drivers, including Truck Series driver Tanner Gray. But I do think she could have pulled out a top-5 finish or better.
After getting loose on the apron, Robusto fell back in the field. Then she was in the wall before ever getting comfortable. We will have to wait and see how she does on her next intermediate start.
All things considered, today was an anomaly for Isabella Robusto. She is one of the most talented drivers in the NASCAR pipeline right now. This will not be the last you hear of her.