Exclusive: Despite fading playoff hopes, Chris Buescher is destroying the “points for the race” mentality of his NASCAR competitors

Chris Buescher is in a tough spot with the playoffs looming, but the 31-year-old seems pretty optimistic ahead of the Great American Gateway 400. Additionally, Beuscher had some compelling words about how the points work in the standings when he spoke exclusively with EssentiallySports at Pocono Raceway.

Ultimately, wins count more than points in the playoffs. And Beuscher is far from his planned qualifying spot. With only eight races left, Chris explained how he would approach the challenges in his conversation with NASCAR journalist Bharat Aggarwal.

While his partner has secured a playoff spot, Buescher still has some good news to give to RFK Racing, hopefully at Pocono. Well, it’s the crucial stage and Chris has a lot to offer in terms of points. On the other hand, a win at this point is a must to qualify and that’s something Christopher is looking forward to.

When asked how he and Brad Keselowski work together to help him earn playoff points, Chris Buescher revealed: “That’s not what I like to do. I don’t like to collect points for races in general. I want to figure out how to go out on the race track and win a race, whatever that means, and you know the points come with it. So I want to do our best to say we know what it takes to get in, and that’s a race win. So let’s figure out how to leave the rest, you know, as far behind as possible.”

Buescher added to the EssentiallySports journalist what his motivation will be for the season as he sits 13th in the overall standings: “In certain situations you have to be smart because there is a risk versus benefit that we have to be aware of. But of course we have to work hard to win, even if we feel like we have to win.”said Buescher in an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports.

Not favoring the points system at all in racing can be seen as a long-term mentality. Now, of course, points count, but not without a win. Considering Buescher’s current position, it’s best to neglect the points and go hard for a win. Although he’s still in the playoff picture (due to the rankings), Buescher has shown he’s willing to not rely on points.

Now it would be optimal for 17 to use this to be in the qualifying conversation while also going for the win. Yes, he took three wins last year and a single one for RFK in 2022. But after a difficult stretch this season, there is still hope for Buescher.

The Gateway 400 could be a turning point for Chris Buescher

Chris Beuscher has had some close games this season. At Kansas, Darlington and a few others, No. 17 was pretty close to a win, which feels like much-needed currency right now. In short, Buescher needs to make another run like that at Pocono, but win it all this time.

Last year he faced great competition against guys like Tyler Reddick, Kyle Larson and his own Brad Keselowski. So far, his chances of qualifying for the playoffs are fading pretty quickly.

It will be interesting to see Chris Buescher at Pocono as his team looks to restore its playoff hopes. The green flag is scheduled to drop at 2:30 p.m. EST on Sunday. While the journalists at EssentiallySports try to bring you the best exclusives on your favorite drivers, we can expect each competitor to do their best to make it to the playoffs.

But what do you think about Chris Buescher’s scoring? Let us know in the comments.