Chris Buescher leaves Martinsville with healthy gap over Chase bubble

Chris Buescher had a rough day in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway. Buescher went one lap down after a tire issue forced him to pit during a caution. Then, the RFK Racing driver had to pit before anyone else during green-flag conditions.

While Buescher battled back for a 19th-place finish, it was a grind for the No. 17 team. Now, Buescher sits 48 points above the Chase bubble and hopes to continue grinding for points over the next 19 races.

The RFK Racing driver has shown speed, but he must maximize his points each week to put himself in the 16-driver Chase. More than likely, Buescher will make it; however, NASCAR can change by the week. Buescher hopes to turn his luck around at Bristol Motor Speedway in two weeks, which has treated him well in the past.

There is plenty of optimism surrounding RFK Racing, and if the organization can find a little bit more pace, Buescher could be in victory lane sooner rather than later. More: Brad Keselowski leaves 600th NASCAR Cup start with optimism in 2026 This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: Chris Buescher leaves Martinsville with healthy gap over Chase bubble