Chris Buescher Earns First Win in Nationwide Children's Hospital 200
The Nationwide Series visited Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on Saturday, and another rookie was able to celebrate his first win. Brian Scott took the early lead, but he was unable to enjoy it for long, as the first caution of the day came out quickly. On lap four, Jeffrey Earnhardt spun into the sand in turn four, which brought out the yellow flag. After the restart, Scott was then able to hold on to his lead until lap 27 when he decided to pit.
The yellow flag then came out in quick succession on laps 42 and 51. On lap 42, the caution came out after Tomy Drissi hit the wall. Joey Gase was also stopped on track during the caution but was able to restart his car. Then, on lap 51, Kenny Habul stopped off course and in the grass. Under the caution on lap 51, pole-sitter Sam Hornish Jr, who had been in contention for the win all day, pulled into the garage with engine problems after missing a gear change.
After the caution came out one last time – Jeff Green hit the tire barrier – Chris Buescher took the lead and was able to dominate for the rest of the race. Because of a long gap between his last pit stop and the end of the race, 32 laps to be exact, he was so low on fuel that many thought he would run out by the time the checkers flew. He was able to make it, however, to take his first career win in the Nationwide Series. Regan Smith, Brian Scott, Chase Elliott, and Alex Tagliani rounded out the top five.