Watch: Buescher pulls bump and run on final lap to take Watkins Glen

NASCAR Cup Series driver Chris Buescher (17) celebrates following his victory in the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International. Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

Watch: Chris Buescher pulls bump and run on final lap to win at Watkins Glen

By Samuel Stubbs | Last updated Sep 15, 2024 6:13 PM ET

NASCAR Cup Series driver Chris Buescher. Eric Canha-Imagn Images

The finish to Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen was an example of NASCAR racing at its finest.

After multiple crashes forced the race into overtime, it was Chris Buescher and Carson Hocevar on the front row for the final restart, with Shane van Gisbergen lurking in third.

An aggressive move from van Gisbergen pushed the No. 16 Camaro to the lead, and it seemed like it would be smooth sailing for the Auckland, New Zealand native to the checkered flag.

However, Buescher had other plans.

UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!

CHRIS BUESCHER PASSES SHANE VAN GISBERGEN TO WIN AT WATKINS GLEN! #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/ZYjaSJuZ8f
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) September 15, 2024

After van Gisbergen drove too deep into the 'bus stop' portion of the course, Buescher got right on his bumper, tapping van Gisbergen out of the way and clearing him as the two drivers raced through the carousel.

Despite his best efforts, van Gisbergen couldn't get back to Buescher to return the favor, and the No. 17 team was finally granted the victory they'd long been searching for.

"Driver error," van Gisbergen told NBC Sports when asked what caused Buescher to get around him. "I'm gutted. The race was awesome with Ross and Chris, I'm gutted we couldn't get it. I'm pretty angry with myself."

Despite the painful loss, van Gisbergen smiled through his interview, helplessly watching as Buescher and the No. 17 team celebrated.

Buescher's victory is the sixth of of his Cup Series career and his first since Daytona in August 2023.

Samuel Stubbs

Hailing from the same neck of the woods as NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, Samuel has been covering NASCAR for Yardbarker since February 2024. He has been a member of the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) since October of 2024. When he’s not writing about racing, Samuel covers Arkansas Razorback basketball for Yardbarker

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