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Keselowski, Busch and a ton of cash -- Brad wins Nationwide at Iowa

Aug 2, 2009, 9:58 AM UTC

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Brad Keselowski passed Kyle Busch with eight laps to go and held of the Joe Gibbs 18 to win the U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway on Saturday afternoon.

Read how it happened after the jump!

Keselowski gambled on lap 219, not pitting while Busch pulled in for two tires and came out right behind the leader. The decision momentarily worked for Busch who needed only six laps to pass Keselowski and pull away from the rest of the field.

Unfortunately for Busch, Morgan Shepherd (he’s still racing?!) brought out the race’s 12^th caution, putting the two most dominant drivers side-by-side for the final restart. Keselowski would pass Busch on lap 242 and never look back, winning his second race of the 2009 season and the first Nationwide event at Iowa.

“Beating Kyle Busch,” Keselowski said to laughter (in response to the question as to why the sold out Iowa Speedway erupted in cheers after the checkers waved). “Everybody likes somebody who beats Kyle Busch.”

I have never heard truer words.

In addition to the winner’s purse Keselowski also received an additional $75,000 for passing Hot Dog via Nationwide Insurance’s Dash 4 Cash incentive. The program was set up to reward full-time Grand National winners at select tracks - including Iowa and Keselowski was eligible for the bonus as he has started each Nationwide Series race in 2009.

“It sure means a lot to win this race,” Keselowski said. “The Dash 4 Cash program that Nationwide has, to be the guy that wins that ... and to be a full-time Nationwide guy that wins it that doesn’t run full time in the Cup Series, it kind of feels like you stake a claim for the series by winning that.”

Not all was bad for Busch, who scored his scored his ninth consecutive first or second-place finish in Nationwide Series racing -- a new record. So kudos to Busch. He’ll never be satisfied with a second place finish, especially considering his recent Cup woes but if it always seems like I am writing about Kyle in these recaps, there is a reason. He is that good.

At the end of the day, it was Keselowski and not Busch, that took home the trophy and in the process gained some ground on Busch who remains the points leader; 207 over Carl Edwards (fourth place) and 372 over Keselowski (race winner).

Top 10

1. Brad Keselowski, Chevrolet

2. Kyle Busch, Toyota

3. Jason Leffler, Toyota

4. Carl Edwards, Ford

5. Kelly Bires, Toyota

6. Jason Keller, Ford

7. Kenny Wallace, Chevrolet

8. Michael McDowell, Dodge

9. Scott Lagasse Jr. Toyota

10. Stephen Leicht, Chevrolet

Nationwide Point Standings