Love Him Or Hate Him, You Can't Count Out KB

Around lap 55 of today's Nationwide race, Kyle Busch was running in 32nd place. He was two laps down. He had incurred a pit road penalty. And at the time, it appeared Busch didn't have a popsicle's chance in hell to win the TECH-NET Auto Service 300.

But that's the thing about a guy like Busch.  Give him even a popsicle's chance and he'll bring her home for a win.

As the race progressed, Busch stealthily picked his way through the field.  He kept his nose clean. He avoided trouble. His was a good car, and he knew how to use it.

Then Busch's pit crew threw down a stellar stop, giving their driver the top spot.  And Rowdy took full advantage.  He stayed out during the final stop. And after two agonizing restarts during the last few laps, Busch (with a litle help from teammate Joey Logano) staved off the No. 22 of Brad Keselowski for the win -  thereby tying Mark Martin's record for the most wins on 1.5 mile tracks.

Busch won't be driving when the Nationwide Series returns to Nashville next week.  And it's not because of the Guitar Hero Fiasco of 2009.  This year, Busch has a potential Cup championship on the line, and he can't afford to let competition in the NASCAR's other series get him off his game.

However, with this weekend's momentum swinging in Busch's favor, Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 will be something to see.  If Busch is running even halfway decent, expect him to put up a fight for the checkers - no matter who's in his way.

Consider also that Busch is starting Sunday's race in ninth spot - just behind his teammate and current "frenemy" Denny Hamlin. 

And, as we all know, you can always count on Busch to make things interesting.  Hamlin beware.

A Little Race Day Inspiration

Franklin Graham, son of renowned and beloved preacher Billy Graham, will deliver an inspirational message to the fans in attendance at the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24. Graham's message will be broadcast via the speedway's public address system and then he'll stay to offer the pre-race invocation.

Graham, a remarkably talented speaker in his own right, is currently the CEO of Samaritan's Purse, a humanitarian organization based in Boone, North Carolina that assists in disaster relief, feeds the hungry and works to alleviate human suffering around the world.

"I'm excited to have the opportunity to speak to these race fans," said Graham. "I've been a race fan most of my life so, to have this chance to speak about God's love and to present the Gospel is a real privilege."

In addition to Graham's message and invocation during pre-race, he will also assist with Motor Racing Outreach's Sunday service to the drivers and team members in the garage.

"The Graham family has meant so much, not only to me and my family, but so many families throughout the world and especially in the Carolinas," said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway. "To have Franklin Graham at Lowe's Motor Speedway delivering an inspirational message to the fans prior to the Coca-Cola 600 is truly going to be a special treat for everyone in attendance."