We continue our ‘Kyle Busch Remembered’ series as NASCAR returns to New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Busch achieved 12 national-level victories at the ‘Magic Mile’ – three in the Cup Series, six in the Xfinity Series, and three in the Craftsman Truck Series.
These dozen wins contributed to his 234 career NASCAR victories across all three national divisions, establishing him as the winningest driver in series history. Busch passed away unexpectedly at 41, just days following his final triumph.
Since his passing, we have been commemorating his most remarkable, memorable, and occasionally controversial moments at each track on the NASCAR Cup schedule.
We have previously highlighted Atlanta, Sonoma, Nashville, Michigan, Pocono, Chicagoland, Indianapolis, and Richmond, accessible through the linked track names above. Here’s a retrospective of Rowdy’s most defining moments at New Hampshire Motor Speedway…
Kyle Busch New Hampshire NASCAR Statistics
NASCAR CUP: 34 starts / 3 wins / 3 poles / 11 top fives / 16 top tens / 1134 laps led
XFINITY: 12 starts / 6 wins / 4 poles / 9 top fives / 10 top tens / 740 laps led
TRUCKS: 8 starts / 3 wins / 2 poles / 4 top fives / 6 top tens / 514 laps led
2021 Cup: Leading the charge before a rain-soaked incident and pace car collision
This wasn’t among Busch’s proudest moments, but it remains one of the most memorable. Starting from pole position, Busch quickly found himself out of contention as unexpected rain caught race officials off guard, sending him into the wall while leading. His frustration boiled over as he deliberately bumped the pace car afterward, creating a scene that left commentators speechless. “I don’t believe I would do that,” remarked Steve Letarte from the booth. “I wouldn’t either, that’s definitely going to draw the attention of NASCAR there,” added Dale Earnhardt Jr., as they witnessed the aftermath – a fitting end to a chaotic moment that embodied Busch’s competitive spirit.
2018 Cup: Intense showdown with Kevin Harvick for victory
The closing laps delivered pure wheel-to-wheel excitement as Kevin Harvick in the Busch Beer Chevrolet challenged Busch’s Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota for the lead. After several close encounters, Harvick made his move stick, ultimately securing the win over a driver known for his fierce competitiveness. “How you race is how you get raced,” Busch responded with characteristic candor and a half-smile that spoke volumes about his sportsmanship.
2015 Cup: Historic summer surge and spectacular self-unlap maneuver
During his championship run in 2015, Busch’s remarkable summer performance included a dominant victory at New Hampshire where he led 96 laps. The highlight came when he executed a breathtaking three-wide pass to unlap himself just moments before a crucial caution flag waved, demonstrating both skill and timing. This win was part of an astonishing four-victory stretch over five races that helped solidify his path to his first Cup championship.
2011 Trucks: Historic three-peat continues with commanding performance
Alongside Ron Hornaday Jr., only two drivers have claimed three Truck Series victories at New Hampshire. Busch accomplished this feat with consecutive wins from 2009-2011, never failing to start from the front row. His 2011 victory was particularly dominant – leading 165 of 175 laps and finishing nearly four seconds ahead while leaving only six competitors on the lead lap.
2011 Xfinity: Milestone victory and record-breaking achievement
In a dramatic overtime finish, Busch held off Kevin Harvick to secure his 100th career win across all NASCAR national series. This landmark victory also tied Mark Martin’s record for most wins in Xfinity Series history. Martin was present to offer congratulations, acknowledging a driver who would go on to more than double that milestone. Two historic achievements secured in a single race exemplified Busch’s ability to reach greatness consistently.
2006 Cup: Overlooked brilliance in Hendrick equipment
Many remember Busch’s later success with Joe Gibbs Racing, but his Cup Series career began with Hendrick Motorsports driving the No. 5 Chevrolet. Of his four wins with the organization, none were more commanding than his 2006 New Hampshire triumph. Leading every lap except one, he held off Carl Edwards and three other Roush Racing entries who filled the top four positions. Team owner Rick Hendrick noted, “It’s hard to believe he’s as young as he is and has as much talent as he does” – words that proved prophetic given what was yet to come.