NNS Race Recap: Kyle Busch a smashing success at Nashville

Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 NOS Energy Drink Toyota celebrates after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series Federated Auto Parts 300 at the Nashville Superspeedway. (Photo Credit: CIA Stock Photo)
Special to Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service

LEBANON, Tenn. -– If nothing else, Kyle Busch is spectacular. After winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series Federated Auto Parts 300 at Nashville Superspeedway on Saturday night, Busch smoked his tires so much they caught on fire. And then he celebrated.

An overjoyed Busch slammed the unique Nashville trophy –- a Gibson Les Paul guitar –- to the ground much like guitarist Pete Townshend of the legendary rock band The Who.

Busch probably should be delighted with the victory, for he won for the first time after leading the most laps in the previous three races. Busch won the pole and led the most laps Saturday, but this time nothing went wrong at the end of the race.

Busch’s win was his fourth of the season in the series. He extended his point lead to 65 over Carl Edwards.

JR Motorsports’ Brad Keselowski finished second, with Roush Fenway Racing’s Edwards third, Phoenix Racing’s Mike Bliss fourth and Braun Racing’s Jason Leffler fifth.

Sixth through 10th were Stephen Leicht (Richard Childress Racing), Steve Wallace (Rusty Wallace Racing), Michael McDowell (JTG Daugherty Racing), Erik Darnell (Roush Fenway) and Brad Coleman (JGR).

Busch led four times for 173 of the 225 laps around the 1.33-mile concrete track, giving up the lead only for pit stops. He led the final 24 laps and beat Keselowski by 0.891 seconds.