With only two races scheduled before the start of the Chase for the Sprint Cup, the question arises: which 12 drivers will be participants in the event? As the excitement rises, so too does the tension; the drivers who are already guaranteed a spot are working harder to keep their positions, while those who are not participants are making a major effort to reach a place.

Race after race the battle becomes more intense, as demonstrated last weekend at the Bristol Motor Speedway. The field was filled with top drivers and the track riddled with complexity, but Kyle Busch managed to take the victory in the 24th event of the Nascar Sprint Cup Series.

The race was characterized by constant inconveniences on the track, causing the event to be stopped on 11 occasions. Despite the difficulties, however, the younger Busch brother gave a brilliant - even flawless - performance.

Busch, who left the grid from 15th place, remained steadfast in his objective, advancing at full speed while avoiding the strong attacks of his closest pursuers. Busch’s strategy allowed him to rise through the ranks until he was placed within the group that controlled the pace of the competition.

Lap after lap drivers clashed, seeking to take first place. The intensity increased, and yellow flags were repeatedly dropped, interrupting the extensive 500-lap route that marked the event.

Because of the constant accidents and repeated restarts, the race was led by 12 different drivers, the most notable of which were Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, and Tony Stewart. Busch, driving the #18 Toyota Camry, had to redouble his efforts to gain a chance at the lead.

With less than 100 laps to go, Johnson and Martin were the focus of attention for the race, battling for first place. Johnson had to make a pit stop for a tire change, giving Martin a chance at first. However, both drivers’ efforts were spoiled; Busch passed Martin, leaving the famed driver in second place.

Busch was able to remain in front, even after a multiple-car accident, a yellow flag, and yet another restart.

Martin continued to pressure Busch, but the driver was able to defend his position and keep first place.

Then, with just four laps to go, Clint Bowyer and Michael Waltrip engaged in a serious crash, causing a final restart. Nevertheless, Busch held his position as leader, finally reaching the checkered flag and taking the triumph.

Martin, who led 240 of the 500 laps, came in second.

“What a class act,” Busch said of Martin. “He deserved to win this race. I’m sorry he got second. I know how he feels. But man, I drove as hard as I could.”

With the victory, Busch raised two positions in the drivers’ standings and is currently placed at 13th with 2,911 points. He is just 34 points behind Matt Kenseth, who is in 12th. He also has a chance to join the list of the 12 best drivers that will compete in that championship of champions, the Chase for the Sprint Cup.