Kyle Busch secured a double crown at the Brickyard 400 in 2015 and 2016, a feat shared only with Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick, and the victories remain the most celebrated chapter of his IMS career.
Back‑to‑back Brickyard 400 crowns
In 2015, Busch surged to the front late, fending off Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick on a series of restarts, and claimed his inaugural Cup win at Indianapolis by holding off Logano in an overtime finish. He led 19 laps, which was a strategic masterclass on the 2.5‑mile oval.
The following season, Busch dominated, steering a 149‑lap lead out of 170 to win again. He stayed intact through repeated overtime runs, securing his second straight championship at the track, while the 2017 attempt at a three‑peat would prove impossible.
The 2017 showdown with Truex
Weathered at the 100‑lap mark, Busch found himself side‑by‑side with Martin Truex Jr. as 50 laps remained. A brief alliance in earlier restarts dissolved, and a mid‑track collision after Turn 1 caused both drivers to depart the race, with Truex’s vehicle igniting. The confrontation on pit road that followed left both crew chiefs on edge.
2019 O’Reilly’s final triumph
Busch’s last triumph at IMS came in the 2019 O’Reilly race. A collision between Tyler Reddick and Christopher Bell opened the door for Busch to seize the lead on a late restart. He defended his position from Justin Allgaier in the final two laps, crossing the line with a margin of 0.132 seconds.
Early O’Reilly contests of 2015 and 2012
In 2015, Busch maintained pressure on emerging star Ryan Blaney for 20 laps before catching him on the final track of Turn 2. Busch’s follow‑on strategy allowed him to out‑maneuver Blaney and take victory.
The 2012 O’Reilly win was more a showcase of car control: after leading 51 of the initial 80 laps, Busch spun during a restart in close pursuit of Sam Hornish Jr. He managed to avoid a wall collision, maintaining control while only a foot away from severe damage.
Statistical snapshot at Indianapolis
In NASCAR Cup events at IMS, Busch logged 18 starts, achieving 2 wins, 2 pole positions, 5 top‑five finishes, 12 top‑tens, and commanded 329 laps. In O’Reilly, he entered 7 races and earned 4 wins, secured 5 poles, matched 5 top‑fives, 5 top‑tens, and led 358 laps.
The No. 18 Toyota, adorned with the Joe Gibbs Racing livery, carried Busch’s drive, immortalized in photographs taken by Bobby Ellis courtesy of Getty Images.
Busch’s legacy at Indianapolis remains intertwined with the Brickyard 400’s history, a testament to his race‑craft and resilience on the famed track.
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