"We can contend" - Kurt Busch

In a press conference for wildcard Chase contender Kurt Busch, he stated that his team can contend for the title if he makes the post-season after Saturday night’s race at Richmond.

“We can contend. I'm optimistic about it. We posted great numbers all season. We have a test session left that will allow us to prepare at a track that might be a good track for us, to get even better, or use that test session on a track that I know I struggle on in those final 10 weeks,” said Busch. “

The team will have to either win the race, finish second with a single lap led, or finish third with the most laps led to be locked into the Chase. All other situations depend on how the other wildcard contenders finish. Busch enters the weekend 10th in points.

When asked if he would bump someone out of the way if it meant he would make the Chase, Busch said it’s tough to talk about what ifs.

Kurt Busch, Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet and Aric Almirola, Richard Petty Motorsports Ford

Photo by: Action Sports Photography

“I'm looking forward to this challenge on whatever it takes to get in. If it takes moving somebody, that's something that I'll have to weigh out when we're out on the track Saturday night,” he said.

Busch will be vacating his seat at Furniture Row Racing at the seasons close, heading to Stewart Haas Racing. Busch said that his 78 is focused on this year, despite their disappointment at his departure.

“At Furniture Row, you get the texts of, Man, I wish we could have worked it out. We're kind of bummed out, but we have the present, right now to work on. There was the disappointment but there was also, Why can't we make the best out of these final weeks together and do something very special?” Busch said.

“Our first task was to make the Chase. So here we are. That's what we have to do on Saturday night. I think the way that this team has come together stronger and harder knowing that now is the time, I think the timing of this has worked out to be a benefactor for the 78.”