DARLINGTON, S.C. — Former NASCAR Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski returned to victory lane after a winless streak that stretched three years on Sunday at Darlington Raceway.
Keselowski took the lead when Tyler Reddick forced Chris Buescher into the wall while the two fought for the lead with under 10 laps to go. Reddick and Buescher were forced to pit with tire issues, allowing Keselowski to take advantage. It's Keselowski's first win as an owner-driver with Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing.
"It's Darlington so whether it's your first win or last win, this is a really special track," Keselowski said after the win. "That battle with [Chris Buescher] and Tyler Reddick... was freaking awesome."
Buescher shoved Reddick after the race as the two exchanged words about the incident.
"We got wrecked," Buescher said. "I'm really pissed off about it right now."
"I made a really aggressive move," Reddick said. "I wish I wouldn't have done that. I completely understand why he's that mad.
Buescher held the lead late after Reddick and Keselowski made contact fighting for the lead with around 30 laps to go. Reddick was the dominant car on Sunday and ran down Buescher late.
Reddick started on the pole and controlled much of the race early on. Kyle Larson and Keselowski also spent time in front early, with Larson winning the first stage sporting a tribute paint scheme to NASCAR legend Terry Labonte.
As expected, pit strategy proved extremely important on Sunday. Reddick's No. 1 pit stall spot gave him a huge advantage in the pits as we won most races off pit road even when he did not enter pit lane with the lead.
The beginning of the second stage featured the race's first wreck. William Byron squeezed Martin Truex Jr. into Ryan Blaney, forcing Blaney to smash the wall. Chris Buescher and Bubba Wallace were involved in the brief pileup.
Blaney suffered the most damage in the incident and nearly retaliated on track. While under caution, Blaney sped his car toward Byron but ultimately backed off. Blaney settled for last place in 36th.
Reddick easily won the second stage as his pit crew continued to get him out in front even when he did not enter the pits with the lead.
Larson's chances at victory took a big hit when he smacked the wall while running in third. His day ended 30 laps later when he lost a tire and spun into the wall.
Reddick and Keselowski fought for the lead on the ensuing restart with neither holding a clear advantage. With around 30 laps left, the two made contact and had to slow down, allowing Buescher to zoom on with the lead.
Buescher seemed in position to take the win until Reddick ran him down. With eight laps left, Reddick dived under Buescher for the lead but forced the two cars into the wall.
Both cars had to pit, allowing Keselowski to get around and hold on for the win.
Ty Gibbs, Josh Berry, Denny Hamlin, and Chase Briscoe rounded out the top five.
The NASCAR Cup Series is next in action for the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Larson is the defending winner.
