Bowman leads Hendrick 1-2-3 in Bristol elimination race qualifying

Kyle Busch wins the first NASCAR Cup Series race at Gateway

Kyle Busch led all 248 laps to win the Inaugural Enjoy Illinois 300 presented by TicketSmarter at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway on Sunday in the NASCAR Cup Series, his first win of the season and the 61st of his career.

Busch became the 13th different Cup Series driver to win in 2023. The victory clinched a spot in the Playoffs for Busch and his Richard Childress Racing team.

William Byron finished second and Ross Chastain was third. Denny Hamlin and Tyler Reddick rounded out the top-five and Chase Elliott finished eighth. Seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson finished 12th in his return to the Cup Series. Erik Jones led 40 laps, the most of any other driver.

The race was slowed by nine cautions for 49 laps, most of which were for spins on the slick surface. Busch overcame a spin of his own on Lap 172.

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to action next weekend at Sonoma Raceway.