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Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a hallowed ground in American motorsport, holds a significant chapter in the career of the late Kyle Busch, fondly known as "Rowdy." As the NASCAR Cup Series circuit returns to the iconic 2.5-mile oval, a retrospective look at Busch’s performances at IMS reveals a tapestry of remarkable victories, hard-fought battles, and moments of intense drama that cemented his legacy at the Brickyard.
Busch’s impact at Indianapolis Motor Speedway extends beyond his two consecutive NASCAR Cup Series victories in the Brickyard 400. Over his illustrious career, he also secured four wins in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races held at the historic track, underscoring his versatility and mastery across different NASCAR national series. These achievements contribute to his unparalleled career total of 234 wins across the Cup Series, Xfinity Series (formerly Nationwide Series and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series), and Truck Series, a record that stands unmatched in NASCAR history. His unexpected passing at the age of 41 marked a profound loss for the sport, prompting ongoing tributes and recollections of his most impactful moments.
This ongoing series, "Kyle Busch Remembered," dedicates each installment to revisiting significant performances at venues featured on the current NASCAR Cup schedule. Previous features have explored Busch’s indelible marks at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Sonoma Raceway, Nashville Superspeedway, Michigan International Speedway, Pocono Raceway, and Chicagoland Speedway. Now, the focus shifts to the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Back-to-Back Brickyard 400 Crowns: A Feat of Championship Caliber
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Kyle Busch etched his name into the annals of Brickyard 400 history by achieving a rare back-to-back victory in 2015 and 2016. This accomplishment places him in elite company, alongside only Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick as drivers to have won consecutive Brickyard 400 events.
In the 2015 edition of the race, Busch orchestrated a late surge, seizing the lead in the closing stages. He was forced to navigate a gauntlet of challenges from formidable competitors, including Kevin Harvick and Joey Logano, through multiple crucial restarts. The race culminated in an overtime finish, where Busch demonstrated masterful defensive driving, expertly blocking Logano’s aggressive final bid for the win. This victory marked his maiden Cup Series triumph at Indianapolis, achieved after leading 19 laps.
The following year, Busch repeated his heroics, once again finding himself in a fiercely contested battle that required him to endure multiple overtime restarts. Demonstrating unwavering resolve and superior racecraft, he maintained his advantage throughout the closing laps, ultimately clinching his second consecutive Brickyard 400 title. This dominant performance saw him lead an impressive 149 of the 170 laps run. His subsequent attempt in 2017 to become the sole driver to achieve a three-peat at the Brickyard, however, took a dramatically different and unforeseen turn.
2017 Brickyard 400: A Collision of Titans and the End of a Dynasty Bid
The 2017 Brickyard 400 presented Kyle Busch with the opportunity to make history by becoming the first driver to win three consecutive Cup Series races at Indianapolis. He positioned himself strongly for this historic achievement, leading 87 of the initial 110 laps. However, the race took a decisive and dramatic turn with approximately 50 laps remaining.
On a pivotal restart, Busch found himself side-by-side with Martin Truex Jr., vying for the lead. The collaborative strategy that had seen them work together to control earlier restarts dissolved as the race entered its most critical phase. As they entered Turn 1, Truex’s car experienced a momentary twitch, drifting up the track. In the ensuing milliseconds, both Busch’s and Truex’s cars made contact, sending them careening into the outside wall in a catastrophic crash. The impact was severe enough to end the racing day for both contenders, with Truex’s car igniting in flames. The dream of a historic three-peat was extinguished in a spectacular and unfortunate incident. The tension of the moment extended beyond the track, as evidenced by a heated verbal exchange on pit road between Busch’s crew chief, Adam Stevens, and a member of Truex’s crew, highlighting the intense emotions and competitive stakes.
2019 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series: A Hard-Fought Final Victory
Busch’s final taste of victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway came in the 2019 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race. This event showcased his enduring competitive spirit and his ability to capitalize on crucial opportunities.
The race was punctuated by late-race drama when Tyler Reddick and Christopher Bell tangled on a restart, creating an opening that Kyle Busch adeptly exploited. He inherited the race lead and was then tasked with defending against a relentless challenge from Justin Allgaier in the closing laps. Allgaier, driving for JR Motorsports, applied immense pressure, remaining glued to Busch’s bumper through the final two circuits. The margin of victory was razor-thin, with only 0.132 seconds separating Busch from Allgaier at the checkered flag, underscoring the intensity of this hard-fought win.
2015 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series: The Art of Pressure and Precision
Another memorable O’Reilly Auto Parts Series victory for Busch at IMS occurred in 2015, a testament to his strategic patience and opportunistic driving. In the closing laps of this event, Busch was locked in a relentless pursuit of Ryan Blaney.
For nearly 20 laps, Busch maintained a position directly behind Blaney’s car, applying consistent pressure. Blaney, though a rising star at the time and now a Cup Series champion, was still developing his race-winning consistency. He managed to withstand Busch’s persistent presence for the majority of the run. However, on the final lap, Blaney’s composure faltered slightly. As he exited Turn 2, he ventured a touch wide and experienced a brief throttle burp. This infinitesimal lapse in concentration was precisely the opening Busch needed. With decisive precision, he dove to the inside of Blaney, executing a clean pass and securing the victory. This performance highlighted Busch’s ability to remain focused and exploit even the smallest opportunity.
2012 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series: A Masterclass in Car Control
While not a victory, Kyle Busch’s performance in the 2012 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway provided a remarkable demonstration of his exceptional car control and ability to salvage difficult situations. Busch had been a dominant force in this race, leading 51 of the first 80 laps, and was a strong contender for the win.
During a late-race restart, while battling Sam Hornish Jr. for position, Busch’s car became loose. The vehicle began to spin, heading directly towards the inside wall, a scenario that typically spells the end of a race. In a display of remarkable reflex and skill, Busch managed to lock down his brakes and execute a controlled rotation of the car. He then deftly applied throttle, narrowly missing the wall by mere feet. Although this extraordinary save ended his immediate hopes of winning the race, it served as a potent reminder of his innate talent and his ability to keep a race car under control in the most perilous circumstances.
Statistical Footprint at Indianapolis Motor Speedway:
NASCAR Cup Series:
- Starts: 18
- Wins: 2
- Poles: 2
- Top Fives: 5
- Top Tens: 12
- Laps Led: 329
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (Xfinity Series):
- Starts: 7
- Wins: 4
- Poles: 5
- Top Fives: 5
- Top Tens: 5
- Laps Led: 358
Kyle Busch’s tenure at Indianapolis Motor Speedway was characterized by a blend of commanding performances and dramatic races. His two Brickyard 400 victories stand as significant achievements, but his four O’Reilly Auto Parts Series wins further solidify his mastery of the historic circuit. These moments, etched in the memory of motorsport enthusiasts, continue to be celebrated as the sport returns to a track that holds such a profound connection to his extraordinary career.
Kyle Busch wins, No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. Photo by: Bobby Ellis via Getty Images
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