A couple of NASCAR Cup Series drivers recently got their initial experience with Midget racing. Kyle Busch and Ty Gibbs had a go at Ventura Raceway. This weekend, these two stock car drivers found themselves in unfamiliar territory.

Qualifying Challenges and Races

Both Kyle Busch and Ty Gibbs faced difficulties in qualifying for the feature race at Ventura Raceway. The Turkey Night Grand Prix is a renowned and tough race to make, with over 50 entries but only 26 drivers advancing to the finale. During their qualifying attempts, Busch and Gibbs didn't perform well enough to secure a spot in the main event. Instead, they had to compete in the Last Chance Qualifier heats, but neither of them advanced.Busch's race was marred by his second mechanical failure of the week in the midget car. It's a tough situation for him. Meanwhile, Gibbs finished 11th in his qualifier race, which wasn't a disastrous debut weekend.

The State of American Motorsports

American motorsports is currently in a good and healthy state. The grassroots and top levels of racing are collaborating effectively. Kyle Busch and Ty Gibbs are not likely to outshine these experienced dirt racers. Just like Corey Day, the Turkey Night winner this year, who went to NASCAR and ARCA but didn't immediately dominate.

Kyle Larson's Race

While his Cup Series competitors watched from the stands, Kyle Larson made his way up through the field on Saturday night. In the first half of the race, he moved up confidently alongside teenage superstar Corey Day. Larson is a two-time Turkey Night winner. As he was in fifth place, Day was driving aggressively behind him and overdrove Turn 1, causing Larson to spin out with 52 laps to go. Larson was sent to the rear of the field, while Day maintained his position.Although Day went on to win the race, it would have been exciting to see Larson fight for the lead in the end. It still provided fans with an engaging race on Saturday night. Kyle Busch ended up sitting in the stands at the end of the night, while Larson was struggling to get back through the field in a damaged car. Cup Series drivers didn't have a great day at Ventura.