RFK comes close at EchoPark Speedway

If it looked like RFK Racing against the field at the end of Saturday night’s NASCAR Cup Series race at EchoPark Speedway, that’s because it was.

Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski were committed to each other in the final laps, resulting in some of the boldest moves as they tried to keep the field at bay. And the field knew they had to try and split them up. Or if they were going to make a move, make one that counted, that would take out both birds with one stone.

The race nearly fell the duo’s way. But then Buescher was shucked from the front of the field with 24 laps to go and never found his teammate’s bumper again. He finished ninth.

Keselowski was passed by Chase Elliott for the win on the final lap. He finished second.

“Yeah, it’s always hard,” Buescher said. “We’ve made it known, we’ve shown over and over again, how well our cars can run at these plate-style races together, and not many people like that. It’s created some tougher moments for us, probably, but still strong nights like this, and we’re going to keep doing it.

“We just have to get it all together.”

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“Yes, for sure,” Buescher said.

All three RFK Racing drivers believe they need to win their way into the postseason. Keselowski certainly does, as he’s been outside the top 25 in the championship standings for much of the season. Preece entered the weekend in the first spot outside of the playoff grid, where he still remains, and he lost three points.

Buescher, meanwhile, grew his advantage to 52 points. With eight races left in the regular season, he is 14th on the playoff grid after missing the postseason in 2024 after not winning in the regular season.

“Yeah, in some ways, I guess,” Buescher said of the win Saturday night being one that got away. “We were definitely good. But it was a little challenging to lead tonight, especially as it cooled off. So, yeah, we were definitely good and certainly wish we could have stayed up there and had something to help Brad do something more spectacular at the end and get us a better finish.”