Kyle Busch has only one thing on his mind for Saturday’s Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Victory Lane.
With a new rules package for the race, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver isn’t thinking about anything else but taking the checkered flag and a $1 million first-prize check home.
“It’s just all about the money on the line,” he said Friday at Charlotte. “This week is sort of an exhibition race, if you will, because there’s a completely different rules package. There’s a completely different set of (circumstances) how the race is going to unfold and things like that. But you still have your stages and you still have the same competitors. Other than that, it’s just about trying to win that million dollars.”
Busch and the rest of his competitors will have to adapt to the new rules package in place for the annual race that includes restrictor plates and a different set of aerodynamic changes. The myriad of unknowns and variables have added a new wrinkle to the race and Busch has mixed feelings on what to expect.
“You’re kind of optimistic about it but also hesitant,” he said. “I try to prepare for the unknowns. We’re pretty well-prepared, one of the best teams at having speed right off the truck and being ready to rock and roll. Other guys catch up as practice goes along.”
Busch, who has three wins so far this year, would like to add another All-Star trophy to his collection. He’s hoping Saturday night’s race produces entertaining racing.
“I don’t know what these cars are going to drive like in a pack,” he said. “I don’t know whether these cars are going to suck up or if I need a car behind me to help pass a car in front. We’re all hoping to put on a good show.”
Motor Racing Network – “The Voice of NASCAR” will have live coverage of Saturday’s All-Star Race, beginning at 5:30 p.m. (ET) – with live streaming at MRN.com.
