'Rowdy' tops his first practice back in the Sprint Cup Series
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CONCORD, N.C. – Kyle Busch made his return to NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series here Friday at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and the driver of the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18 Toyota wasted no time in letting folks know he was back.
Busch, sidelined for 11 races after breaking his right leg and left foot in a crash during the season-opening XFINITY Series race at Daytona International Speedway in February, was fastest in practice for tomorrow night's Sprint All-Star Race (9 p.m., FOX Sports 1, MRN, Sirius XM).
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His No. 18 Chevrolet toured the 1.5-mile track at 188.884 mph, edging Jamie McMurray, who wound up second in his Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Chevrolet (188.396 mph).
Defending series champion Kevin Harvick (Stewart-Haas Racing), Kurt Busch (SHR) and Denny Hamlin (JGR) completed the top five.
His first words on the radio after hitting the track were brief and to the point. "Little bit loose throttling up," he informed crew chief Adam Stevens.
Friday's 90-minute session was the first time back behind the wheel for Busch in a Sprint Cup car. He tested his own Late Model entry on two occasions prior to this weekend's return.
"I was excited to get back in and see my guys and just kind of get the taste of all of that again," Busch said after the practice had ended. "Just trying to get a feel for the seat, the car and being back behind the wheel – it's been a while."
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It was a typical day for the 30-year-old, who said he had breakfast at home with his wife, Samantha, before departing for the track. They are expecting their first child early next week. Upon arriving at the track, he eased back into the familiar routine.
"I told her to make sure she did everything the best she could to keep her legs crossed today and tomorrow," Busch said. "We keep baby Busch inside for at least 48 more hours."
Saturday night's Sprint All-Star Race is a non-points event, meaning his quest to begin the long climb inside the top 30 won't begin until next weekend's Coca-Cola 600 (May 24, 6 p.m. ET, FOX, PRN, SiriusXM), also at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
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Earlier this week, NASCAR officials announced Busch remains eligible for one of the 16 spots in this year's Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup despite missing 11 races. The top-30 points requirement, however, was not waived. Therefore, to qualify for the 10-race, championship-determining playoff, Busch will need at least one points win and will need to be in the top 30 in points by the end of the season's 26th race at Richmond International Raceway.
Tony Stewart currently sits 30th with 179 points.
"Obviously, you have to win one (race), but past that you have to average like a 15.8 or 16.1 average finish or something," Busch said. "How many points is that? I don't know. I think it's 430 or 440-something that you have to get by the time you get to Richmond.
"Certainly, I've seen plenty of people that have done the numbers for me and they all come out relatively the same."
Two-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Matt Crafton stepped into the No. 18 at Daytona in place of Busch while David Ragan handled the driving duties for the next nine events. Last weekend at Kansas Speedway, 18-year-old Erik Jones made his Sprint Cup debut in place of the injured JGR driver.
Busch said he was pleased with the speed in the car on Friday, although the new carbon seat took a little getting used to. His biggest concern is that over which he has no control. Hitting a wall at 90 mph will raise such anxiety.
"That definitely is in the back of your mind," he said. "How hard of a hit can you withstand and not get hurt again? That's obviously there.
"Every man is breakable. There's obviously a risk factor that we take, but you pray to the good Lord that he keeps you safe and you go do your job."