Kyle Busch battled a mysterious illness throughout Sunday’s race and still managed a solid third-place finish in the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway.
That elevated him to fourth in the points standings, 29 out of first.
Busch, 26, described his ailment as “a center chest pain” that occurred in the early stages of the race.
“It was really hard to breathe,” Busch said. “Couldn't tell you what it was. I don't know. I've never felt that before.
“Guys gave me some special sauce and dialed me right in, so I'm good.”
Midway through the race, Busch was given fluid and a cool towel. He took the lead for the first time on Lap 85 and led three times for a total of 59 laps.
Later in the race, Busch’s wife, Samantha, tweeted: "Kyle stomach was bothering him a lil but he's good now. I thought I was a pretty decent cook but maybe the burrito I made didn't agree w him."
Busch said he didn’t feel bad enough to need a relief driver, but Scott Riggs was standing by if necessary.
“You know, it was just hard to breathe,” Busch added. “I had to take real short breaths. Felt like I was running a 400-mile marathon, which essentially I was. But I felt like I was running on my feet instead of in a race car.
“It was all right.”
Apparently, finishing third was the best medicine.
