In the high-stakes world of NASCAR, where every move counts and every second matters, the dynamics between drivers and their teams can be complex. Chris Buescher, a driver with Team Penske, recently shed light on the contrasting approaches to racing between manufacturers, particularly Ford and Toyota.
Buescher's statement, 'I don’t want anybody to ever accuse me', highlights a crucial aspect of his racing philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of fair play and clean racing, a mindset that is not universally shared across all manufacturers. This is in stark contrast to the all-or-nothing attitude of Toyota drivers like Denny Hamlin, who is both a driver and team owner.
In the New Hampshire race, for instance, Ty Gibbs from Joe Gibbs Racing refused to yield to Hamlin, leading to a clash that ended Gibbs' day. Hamlin's statement that he wouldn't pull any punches, even against his own non-playoff teammate, underscores the intensity of his racing style. However, Buescher argues that such aggressive racing is not the norm for all manufacturers.
Team Penske's drivers, including Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano, have long emphasized clean racing and teamwork. Buescher, in particular, is aware of the expectations around racing Blaney or Logano. He acknowledges that there's a balance to strike, especially in risky situations like four-wide moves, but ultimately, every driver aims to win.
When asked about loyalty to Ford drivers in the final moments, Buescher's response is clear: 'Yeah, and that’s always been the case. It doesn’t really matter if it’s the playoffs or not.' This highlights the importance of manufacturer alliances at superspeedways, where drivers often band together to sync pit cycles and race strategies, often working to save fuel as a collective unit.
Buescher's perspective offers a nuanced view of the racing world, where fair play and clean racing are valued, and manufacturer alliances play a significant role. It's a reminder that behind the wheel, drivers are first and foremost competitors, but also teammates and allies in the pursuit of victory.
