Bud Shootout 2012: Kyle Busch Will Ride Daytona Triumph to Sprint Cup Victory

Kyle Busch was born with a clutch gene.

The 26-year old NASCAR driver won the wild race that was the 2012 Bud Shootout in Daytona, Fla.  Busch’s best finish in his Sprint Cup Series career is fifth and he did that all the way back in 2007, but it would be foolish to count out the hated racer this season.

In a competition that was headlined by crashes, Busch finished first in dramatic fashion.  He passed 2011 Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart on the final lap to edge him out by 0.013 seconds.  The margin for error was small, but Busch didn’t cave come crunch time.

Jenna Fryer of the Associated Press reported that he talked to the press after the victory saying:

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“I don't know how many times I spun out, but I didn't spin out, you know?”

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No NASCAR driver has won the Sprint Cup Series since 2004 that wasn’t named Jimmie Johnson or Tony Stewart.  Ironically, the last competitor to do so just happened to be Busch’s big brother Kurt.  Another member of the family will break the trend in 2012.

Kyle boasts the modern-era record for the most triumphs in a season over the top three NASCAR series.  He may be controversial, but there’s no denying the talent.

According to the Huffington Post, Busch said of his last-second pass of Stewart that:

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“I've seen the move done before, it was my turn to do it this time.  He knew he was a sitting duck as soon as we got clear of everybody.  He knew the race was over.  He knew the winner.”

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On Feb. 26 at the Daytona 500, fans will see a scarily similar ending.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels