BuschWhackers Streak Ends at Kentucky
Well it had to happen sometime I guess. But with the first 15 Busch Series events all won by Cup invaders many thought, including myself, that a Busch regular might be shut out of the winners circle in 2006.
What’s surprising is it wasn’t one of the usual suspects like Paul Menard, Clint Boyer or Johnny Sauter that broke the BuschWhacker streak. That honor went to California native David Gilliland.
In only Gilliland’s 7th start the rookie survived a record 10 cautions and a late charge by J.J. Yeley to score his first Busch win. Denny Hamlin, Mike Wallace and Aston Lewis filled out the top five.
A veteran of the Winston West and Featherlite Southwest series that runs on the Left Coast drove an unsponsored Chevy for Clay Andrews Racing. Crew chief Billy Wilburn, who guided Rusty Wallace to numerous NASCAR wins in the past, never lost hope for a win even though Gilliland was forced to restart from 19th spot early in the race due to a bad pit stop.
Kevin Harvick, who finished 6th despite an early brush with the wall, extended his points lead to 372 over second place Carl Edwards. Denny Hamlin, Clint Bowyer and Greg Biffle make up the top five. The series moves o
Gilliland, with Nadeau and Clay Andrews Racing was the story of the night. Great job guys! Harvick maybe gets the “Perseverence” award for the spin to 6th, and Fuller definately qualifies for “Best Sportsman.” Although I don’t think Fuller quite envisioned the ending, He chose to hazard himself rather than slam into a competitor.