Despite issues on pit road Kurt Busch finishes sixth at Loudon

September 20, 6:30 PMKyle Busch ExaminerKathryn Lindamood

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Photo Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR

Heading into Sunday's race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway Kurt Busch had one goal; start his 2009 Chase with a solid finish. Busch didn't disappoint himself or his fans.

After fielding questions about the impending departure of his crew chief Busch strapped himself in and lined to start in third position behind Juan Montoya and Tony Stewart.

Throughout the course of the 300 lap race Busch remained consistently within the top 10 and had the Miller Lite Dodge in the lead for several laps. Still, Busch didn't have the speed to beat out race winner Mark Martin or Montoya in the closing laps. After an incident on pit road with David Ragan Busch had minor damage to the right front fender and later complained that the car was overheating slightly. Busch looked strong in the closing laps but several late race cautions brought the field back together and landed Kurt in the sixth position on the final lap.

For Busch a top 10 finish was just what the doctor ordered. It put to rest many of the questions regarding the upheaval the team has gone through since Tryson announced he would be leaving Penske for Michael Waltrip Racing in 2010. Tryson, who sites personal reasons for his leaving the team, has been locked out of the Penseke organization during the week because of the completive nature of the sport. Many have criticized this move saying it will hurt Busch's efforts if his crew chief is not completely involved. Busch has reportedly requested that Tryson remain on the pit box for the remainder of the season even though he has little input on how the car is prepared and set up.

Sixth place may not be the finish Busch had hoped for given his past success at New Hampshire, but in a sport where consistency is key sixth place is a good start for the 2004 series champ. In the overall points count Busch gained two positions moving from seventh to fifth in the points while second place finisher Montoya gained seven positions in the points.

For more of the 2009 Chase check out Examiner.com's full coverage.