Motorsport.com wraps up its “Kyle Busch Remembered” series by reflecting on Busch’s 2015 and 2019 NASCAR Cup Series championships earned at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Over his career, Busch not only claimed two Cup titles but also secured seven wins at Homestead among his record 234 NASCAR national-series victories. Tragically, Busch passed away unexpectedly in May at 41, just days after his last Truck Series win at Dover.
To honor Busch’s legacy, this series has spotlighted his standout and sometimes controversial moments at each track on the NASCAR Cup schedule. For Homestead, the focus is solely on his two championship-winning campaigns at the highest level of NASCAR competition. Prior installments have highlighted his performances at tracks including Atlanta, Sonoma, Nashville, Michigan, and many others, accessible by clicking on each track’s name.
Kyle Busch’s Homestead NASCAR Records
- NASCAR Cup: 21 starts, 2 wins, no poles, 5 top fives, 11 top tens, leading 470 laps
- O’Reilly Series: 9 starts, 2 wins, 2 poles, 7 top fives, 7 top tens, 487 laps led
- Trucks: 9 starts, 3 wins, no poles, 7 top fives, 8 top tens, 394 laps led
2015 — Remarkable comeback to clinch the title after a leg injury
Busch missed the first 11 races of the 2015 season recovering from a severe broken leg sustained at Daytona during an O’Reilly Series race. Doubts loomed over his playoff eligibility and championship prospects. However, after an impressive summer stretch with four wins in five weeks, he battled through the playoffs and reached the Homestead finale. There, he competed against reigning champion Kevin Harvick, veteran Jeff Gordon, and strong contender Martin Truex Jr. Busch snatched the lead from Brad Keselowski with just seven laps remaining and held on to win by 1.5 seconds over Harvick. Reflecting on his recovery, Busch credited mental and physical toughness, rehab dedication, and the support of his wife and dog, all while preparing to be present for his son’s birth without limitations.
2019 — Overcoming fierce competition and honoring J.D. Gibbs
In 2019, Busch became the first driver to win two championships under NASCAR’s challenging multi-round elimination playoff system. The Championship 4 lineup included Kevin Harvick and Busch’s Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Martin Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin. Following problems on pit road for Truex and Hamlin, Busch surged ahead to claim the victory and title by 4.5 seconds after dominating nearly half the race. He dedicated the championship to “Rowdy Nation” and reflected on the emotional weight of the season, particularly the passing of Joe Gibbs’ son J.D. Gibbs shortly before the campaign began. Busch acknowledged the team’s extraordinary effort and believed J.D. was watching over their successful year.
Fan Take: Kyle Busch’s resilience and dedication, culminating in two thrilling championship wins at Homestead, embody the relentless spirit that NASCAR fans admire. Remembering his legacy not only honors a remarkable driver but also inspires the sport’s future stars to overcome adversity and chase greatness.
Source: www.motorsport.com
