Chris Buescher built on his momentum over recent weeks with a strong drive at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, securing a fourth-place finish and advancing in his push for a NASCAR playoff spot. The Chris Buescher Pocono race results demonstrated his No. 17 RFK Racing Ford’s consistency at the front, battling established contenders and showcasing newfound confidence within the team.
Strong Qualifying Positions Buescher for Race Day Success
Buescher’s weekend started off on the right foot as he qualified second, putting himself in prime position to challenge for the lead early in the race. Throughout Stage 1, Buescher went head-to-head with Denny Hamlin and remained within striking distance of the race leaders during the crucial closing laps, especially as teams managed fuel strategies to the checkered flag. This marked Buescher’s first top-five at Pocono since 2016, when he celebrated his first-ever Cup Series win at the iconic track.
Highlight Performances Reflect Team Progress
Beyond just his finishing position, Buescher recorded season-best statistics in average running position and driver rating, reinforcing the competitive edge both he and RFK Racing have found this season. These results further build confidence internally, with Buescher stating,
I saw Brad [Keselowski, team owner] leading at one point today and I know the speed we had. I’m pretty confident in where our race team is heading and what we’ve been able to accomplish.
—Chris Buescher, Driver
Playoff Hopes Grow as Bubble Driver Advances
After three top-five finishes this year including the latest at Pocono, Buescher has improved his position in the playoff standings. Starting the day just 19 points clear of the playoff cutline as the bubble driver, he leaves Pocono with a more comfortable 38-point margin. While this boost is encouraging, Buescher’s focus remains on reaching Victory Lane, stating it comes down to track position in critical moments. He has remarked,
I think we have ultimately had the speed we just need to put it all together right now.
—Chris Buescher, Driver
What This Means for Buescher and RFK Racing
Buescher’s strong showing at Pocono, including battles with Denny Hamlin and the visible speed of Brad Keselowski’s entries, reinforces RFK Racing’s upward momentum during a pivotal stretch in the season. If the team can continue to string together results like these, Buescher’s playoff aspirations look increasingly realistic, and the prospect of a Cup Series win remains within reach as drivers vie for every valuable point in the coming weeks.
