Nationwide in Bliss: Mike wins at Charlotte
via blog.al.com
The best weekend in motorsports began with an unlikely finish as Mike Bliss captured his second Nationwide Series career victory late-Saturday night at the rain-shortened Carquest Auto-Parts 300.
Kyle Busch dominated and led the most laps before getting caught with his pants down during green-flag pit stops on lap 151. Busch was amongst the drivers who already came in when the caution came out for an accident involving Scott Lagasse Jr. When the dust had settled Bliss was the only car who had not pitted and as a result was the only car on the lead lap. Brendan Gaughan recovered his lap by virtue of the lucky dog and went on to finish second. Rain moved back into the area on lap 171 and forced NASCAR to call the race and award Bliss his first NNS win since 2004.
It was a heartbreaking finish for Busch who finished third after having one of the most dominating cars in recent memory. Busch qualified second but had to start at the rear of the field because of an engine change. It took only 20 green flag laps for the younger Busch to race his way into the top-10 and 30 laps for him to take the lead. In all, Busch led 98 laps and extended his points lead over Carl Edwards, who finished tenth.
The best thing I took from the event was a Nationwide-regular pulling out the victory over the Buschwackers. Also, owner James Finch continues his whirlwind month, winning at Charlotte two weeks after winning the Aaron 499 with Brad Kaselowski.
In all, the Nationwide race was a great way to start off the absolute best racing weekend of the year. Now onwards to Indy and Charlotte.
