KYLE BUSCH, No. 18 Skittles Lime is back Toyota Camry TRD, Joe Gibbs Racing

What are your expectations for this week?

“I just learned on the track and saw where all the changes are. Watch it and understand everything. It’s a pretty good callback to what it was like last year – it’s very similar – with some added grip through the esses. It’s much faster that way – that’s about it. I didn’t drive a truck here last year so I’m trying to figure this out and how different this is from what I remember from last year’s Xfinity and Cup car and get ready for additional track time.

What is your state of mind in the Cup Series?

“I think the car is fine. We’re all trying to figure it out and learn what it potentially is and what makes it go fast, what knobs you have to turn in particular places. I have the felt like we had decent speed everywhere we went except Phoenix. Phoenix was really bad. Vegas, we were quick – coulda, shoulda, woulda. California, we were okay, we worked on it and we came back after five laps down. Took 10 places in five laps. Last week was fast. Probably one of the fastest cars on the grid and just got caught in a wreck. We really have nothing to show this year, which is disappointing. No stage points. That’s about it.”

How is the dry track this season affecting the braking zones?

“You’re constantly learning and changing every lap. Fresh tires, you can put it in there as far as you can carry it. As the tires burn and you wear them, you have to back your corners because you’ll jam it or you’ll wheel hop So you’re still changing trying to figure out where this is As the track gets some gum this weekend as it becomes warmer as the days go on, it will also slow down and get smoother, so it’s always about trying to find that grip, where it is and how hard you can push.

Will we see any improvements with the Toyotas this week?

“It’s a relative term – exactly what improvements you can make. As you know, these parts are all purchased from the same supplier, so it’s just a matter of trying to figure out how to put them together a little differently. Get your sim a little different and try to find some of the configuration tweaks you can make to these cars to improve your cars for the race tracks you’re heading to.

Is there anything you’ve seen with these young drivers with their success?

“No, they are doing a good job. They get the job done when it matters most – and that’s the final round, winning the checkered flag.

Has your position in road racing changed?

“I’ve always loved road racing. Years ago when we had two on the schedule – Sonoma and Watkins Glen – it was kind of fun because it was like a week off. You would go and enjoy the experience and try to learn and improve each time you did, but now that there are six on the schedule, it’s definitely busier to have to be good at it. Not wanting but needing it with the number of road races we have. I feel like a decent road racer and would love the chance to show it here on Sunday.

TRD RP