Imagine the high-stakes drama of a NASCAR race where loyalty clashes with the raw drive to win—it's a tension that can make or break careers, and Chris Buescher is drawing a clear line in the sand to avoid any misunderstandings.
NASCAR enthusiasts, industry experts, and even rival racers have long observed the intense, no-holds-barred style that Toyota teams, especially Denny Hamlin, bring to the circuit. Hamlin juggles roles as a top-tier driver and a team owner, but the moment the race starts, he's all business, taking on anyone who dares to challenge him. He openly expects drivers outside the playoffs—those not vying for the championship—to step aside and support the playoff hopefuls. Yet, he'd push just as fiercely against playoff drivers, regardless of whether they're from the same car maker or even his own stable. This cutthroat philosophy, though, isn't universal across the NASCAR landscape, as RFK Racing's Chris Buescher has made crystal clear in recent discussions.
Take the race at New Hampshire, for instance: When Ty Gibbs, a non-playoff driver from Joe Gibbs Racing, held his ground against Hamlin in a battle for 11th place, the seasoned pro didn't hesitate to show his irritation. He squeezed Gibbs against the wall, effectively ruining his teammate's race. Hamlin was straightforward about it afterward—he's not about to go easy, even on a non-playoff teammate who decides to race aggressively. For beginners dipping their toes into NASCAR, the playoffs are like the sport's championship chase, where only a select group of drivers compete for the big title, and strategies often shift to protect those spots.
A parallel incident unfolded at Kansas Speedway, where Hamlin went wheel-to-wheel with Bubba Wallace, a driver from his own 23XI Racing team, right into the last corner. In the process, Hamlin opened up the inside line, allowing Chase Elliott to dart through and claim victory. This move underscored Hamlin's priority: behind the wheel, personal and team sentiments take a backseat to pure competition. He's a racer through and through, with ownership considerations coming later.
But here's where it gets controversial—does this aggressive stance promote fair play, or does it erode the spirit of teamwork in a sport built on manufacturer rivalries? Under the Ford umbrella, things look markedly different. Drivers from Team Penske, such as Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano, have consistently championed a philosophy of respectful racing and mutual support among teammates.
Buescher reinforced this viewpoint just before the Talladega event, explaining that he fully understands the expectations when sharing the track with Blaney or Logano. 'You're always mindful of it,' he noted. 'Our team stays conscious of these dynamics all through the playoff period' (source: https://speedwaydigest.com/index.php/news/nascar-cup-series-news/615588-ryan-blaney-and-chris-buescher-provide-talladega-outlook/#google_vignette). He continued, highlighting the current scrutiny on race manipulation: 'There's a strong message out there against any funny business with race outcomes, so navigating that requires real caution. I don't want to get tangled in any penalties, and above all, I never want anyone thinking I'm holding back or letting someone pass easily. At the core, we're heading to the track to secure a win—not to yield positions or hand over advantages.'
That said, Buescher acknowledged the need for nuance in certain scenarios. For example, in a chaotic four-wide battle—where four cars are side-by-side, which can be incredibly risky and unpredictable on the track—drivers might factor in a little more teamwork to avoid disaster. Ultimately, though, every competitor arrives with the singular goal of crossing the finish line first, blending strategy with instinct.
When pressed on whether his allegiance would favor a fellow Ford driver in those nail-biting final laps, Buescher didn't hesitate: 'Absolutely, and that's how it's always been. Playoffs or not, it doesn't alter that commitment.'
The RFK Racing standout (source: https://thesportsrush.com/tag/chris-buescher/) delved deeper into how manufacturer partnerships shine at superspeedways like Talladega, those massive, high-speed ovals where drafting and cooperation are key to survival. Here, Ford drivers often unite, coordinating pit stops and overall race plans, even pooling efforts to conserve fuel across the group. 'That's standard practice,' Buescher affirmed. 'The playoffs don't change those alliances; they just intensify them as we near the season's climax.' And this is the part most people miss: While teamwork boosts chances, it raises questions about where collaboration ends and unfair advantage begins—especially when one manufacturer's pack seems to dominate.
About the Author
Neha Dwivedi (https://thesportsrush.com/author/nehadwivedi/)
Neha Dwivedi brings a wealth of experience as a NASCAR journalist for The SportsRush, with more than 3,000 articles under her belt chronicling the thrills of the sport. Her writing journey predates her NASCAR focus, giving her a versatile edge in storytelling. She's a fan of victories by veterans like Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Busch, but she also cheers on rising stars in series such as CARS Late Model and ARCA Menards. Her NASCAR coverage has garnered praise from peers like Susan Wade of The Athletic, and even drivers including Thad Moffit and Corey LaJoie. One of her standout memories? Watching Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. hoist those championship trophies. Beyond the roar of engines, Neha dives into books, savoring everything from gripping novels to insightful non-fiction.
What do you think—should NASCAR enforce stricter rules on manufacturer teamwork to level the playing field, or is this kind of alliance just smart racing? Drop your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you side with Hamlin's hard-charging style or Buescher's balanced approach!
