Busch’s pit strategy got thrown out the window when Parker Kligerman’s stalled truck brought out a caution soon after Busch had claimed the Stage 2 win.
Several contenders, including Smith, got on pit road before pit road closed for the caution and was able to complete his stop. Busch had to wait until pit road opened under the caution to make his pit stop.
On the restart on Lap 30 of 42, Smith led the way while Buch lined up 17th. He made up seven spots in one lap and moved into second on Lap 36 but could not run down Smith.
Smith took his second consecutive victory at COTA by 5.451 seconds over Busch. The win is his second of the 2023 season and ninth of his career.
After a monstrous burnout on the frontstetch against the wall, the mud flaps behind the rear wheels caught fire and the rear of his truck was engulfed in flames before finally being extinguished by safety workers.
“Besides catching on fire in Victory Lane – that’s a first for me,” said Smith. “Man, that’s a bummer right there. Shoutout to my team for an amazing strategy that worked out with that caution.
“Putting Kyle back (in the field) and us starting on the front row was just perfect. This truck was fast when it mattered. I enjoy coming to all the road courses and especially here.
“That was probably the most hectic Victory Lane celebration I’ve ever had. I apologize for catching the truck on fire in Victory Lane.”
Ty Majeski finished third, Tyler Ankrum was fourth and Ross Chastain rounded out the top-five.
Completing the top-10 was Corey Heim, Nick Sanchez, Tanner Gray, Kaz Grala and Ben Rhodes.
Stage 3
Following the caution for Kligerman stalling on the front stretch, several lead-lap trucks – including Busch – pit but Smith stayed out and inherited the lead.
On the restart on Lap 30, Smith was followed by Rhodes and Grala. Busch lined up 17th.
Chase Purdy spun around near Turn 15 on Lap 31 but was able to continue on without an issue.
With 10 laps remaining, Busch had worked his way up to third from the restart while Smith continued to lead the way.
On Lap 36, Busch got around Rhodes to move into second, 6.1 seconds behind the leader Smith.
With three laps to go, Smith maintained a 5.4-second lead over Busch as Rhodes ran third.
Christian Eckes, who led earlier in the race, was forced to take his No. 19 truck to the garage with one lap remaining.
Stage 2
As the field completed Lap 26, Busch was awarded the Stage 2 win.
Smith was…
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