Kyle Busch isn’t used to waiting this long to win a NASCAR Cup Series race, and the streak could end at Sunday’s Dixie Vodka 400. At least that is what I am using my One Bet, $100 on in backing Busch to win at 5/1.
Busch is just to good not to be in the winner’s circle by now. The 35-year-old is entering the 12th race of the season at the Dixie Vodka 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. That is the longest winless drought he has experienced since 2017 when he won the 12th race of the season, the All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
How Long Before Busch’s First Victory
| 2010 | 10th Race |
| 2011 | Fourth Race |
| 2012 | Ninth Race |
| 2013 | Fifth Race |
| 2014 | Fifth Race |
| 2015 | Sixth Race |
| 2016 | Sixth Race |
| 2017 | 12th Race |
| 2018 | Seventh Race |
| 2019 | Fourth Race |
| 2020 | ?????? |
On Wednesday I pocketed a $180 profit when I took Martin Truex at 2/1 to be the top Toyota driver at the Blue Emu Maximum Pain Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway on Wednesday. Truex was not only the top Toyota, he won his first race of the season.
One Bet, $100
This Week’s Pick Last Result Season Total Kyle Busch win Won Truex top Toyota 3-3, up $280
I believe Busch breaks his winless streak on Sunday for several reasons. Plus at 5/1, the odds are too attractive to pass up.
Busch History of Success at Dixie Vodka 400
The most obvious factor for backing Busch is his success in the Dixie Vodka 400. Not only is he the defending champion, he won there in 2015 as well. Since that first victory, Busch has finished no worse than sixth. He is also the active leader in laps led with 463.
Busch’s finishes this season are another reason I like him on Sunday. The 2019 Cup champion might not have a victory, but he does have six finishes of fourth or better. One of those was last Sunday at Atlanta, where he finished second behind Kevin Harvick. Busch told reporters he felt he and his crew were close to a victory.
“We had good speed, you just couldn’t really push too hard,†Busch said. “Every time I pushed too hard, it would really hurt my tires in the long run. I think that was for everybody. That last run, I was trying to keep up with those front guys and as soon as I felt like I was pushing too hard and they were inching out on me.â€
Why Busch Will Win
Busch’s Cup Series record this season seems to be falling into a pattern. He will have a non-top 5 finish, then follow up with two chances at a victory. On Wednesday at Martinsville, he ended up 19th. If the current pattern continues Sunday at the Dixie Vodka 400, Busch should have another chance at victory.
Kyle Busch 2020 Cup Series Results
| Date | Race | Finish |
| Feb. 23 | Las Vegas | 15 |
| March 1 | Fontana | 2 |
| March 8 | Phoenix | 3 |
| May 17 | Darlington | 26 |
| May 20 | Darlington | 2 |
| May 24 | Charlotte | 4 |
| May 27 | Charlotte | 29 |
| May 31 | Bristol | 4 |
| June 7 | Atlanta | 2 |
| June 10 | Martinsville | 19 |
Another advantage is where Busch is starting on Sunday. He is in the fourth position, and in the last six of seven races, the winning driver has started the race fifth or better.
It is a victory that is long overdue, and I believe will come Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway.