Busch wasn’t his usual dominant self at Bristol

of the race, and finished 20th after his damaged Toyota spun to bring out the final caution of the race.

“It just wasn’t meant for us this weekend, I guess,” Busch said.

That Busch was even challenging for the lead near the end of the race marked a stunning turnaround after such a dispiriting start. It underscored the tenacity of the Joe Gibbs Racing team almost as much as any of Busch’s six Cup victories this season.

The race had barely started when Busch’s car drifted up the banking, bounced off Ryan Blaney’s car and spun in front of much of the field. Busch’s car was affected enough that he could have just called it a race. He was two laps behind and seemingly had little chance of getting back in contention.

The points leader already is locked into the playoffs, so finishing Saturday night was about pride and his love of Bristol.

Busch gradually worked his way through the field and was back on the lead lap by the start of the final stage. Before his final spin, Busch believed he had a realistic shot at a come-from-behind victory.

“That was just me and this team and never giving up and being able to drive up through the field like that,” Busch said. “(Our car) was fast, even torn up and wrecked and everything else, it was fast.”