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NASCAR Communications
“I believe in him (Brian Ickler)… hopefully next year he’ll be a full-timer...” - Kyle Busch (Photo: LAT Photographic)
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Kyle Busch accomplished on Sunday what previous visiting NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers could not do – win the NASCAR Camping World Series East-West combination race at Iowa Speedway.
While Kevin Harvick had to settle for second place in 2007 and Kasey Kahne came away as the runner-up in 2008, Busch took the first-place trophy in the Long John Silver's 200.
Busch, fresh from competing in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte Saturday night, made the most of a Sunday morning practice session at Iowa to fine tune the set up of his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. He went on to capture the Coors Light Pole Award and dominate the race – leading 168 of the 200 laps.
With the victory, Busch locked up a secure starting spot in the postseason NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown.
His biggest challenge came after a series of pit stops by the leaders midway through the race. After restarting sixth on lap 79, Busch charged forward and took the lead from Chris Johnson on lap 104. Busch relinquished the lead again to top off with fuel on lap 118. After restarting second, he moved past Jason Bowles for the lead on lap 125 and set sail to the finish.
While Busch was heading to victory, defending race winner Brian Ickler and David Mayhew waged a fierce door-to-door battle in the closing laps. Ickler prevailed to take second place, with Mayhew finishing a close third. Jeffrey Earnhardt passed Paulie Harraka in the closing laps to grab fourth.
Rounding out the top 10 were Brett Moffitt, Brett Thompson, Jesus Hernandez, Jason Bowles and Johnny Borneman.
The Iowa event is the only combination race of the season between the NASCAR Camping World Series East and West with championship points at stake.
