Kyle Busch’s continued difficulties on the track have raised concerns among NASCAR fans and insiders alike, as his winless streak has now stretched to 82 races in 2025. Despite his proven talent and experience, Busch’s performance has not improved, with even the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) team unable to diagnose the root cause. Kaulig Racing’s AJ Allmendinger recently offered insights into the challenges Busch and his team face, highlighting issues with vehicle feel as a key factor in their ongoing struggles.
Technical and Engine Troubles Impacting Performance
During the current 2025 NASCAR season, the engines manufactured by ECR, which power teams such as Richard Childress Racing, Kaulig Racing, and Trackhouse Racing, have encountered persistent difficulties. Ross Chastain, a fellow competitor, has expressed frustration about the poor results these teams have experienced this year due to the ECR power units. While these engine issues partly explain Busch’s disappointing results, his veteran status suggests he should be capable of adapting and overcoming this slump.
Given Kaulig Racing’s technical alliance with RCR, AJ Allmendinger has a close view of the situation and feels equipped to comment on Busch’s decline. Although Allmendinger admits he does not have a precise explanation for the team’s problems, he emphasizes a significant lack of “feel” in Busch’s race car, which he believes is contributing to their inability to find speed and better performance on the track.
I can’t explain on their side of it. … I don’t know, I don’t have a perfect answer for it, We’ve worked very close this year. You know, I will say, and I don’t want to speak on Kyle’s behalf, but he definitely – they have a lack of feel in the racecar right now. They’re just lacking feel, and you know, at times, we’re just generally trying to find more speed.
AJ Allmendinger said on the Door Bumper Clear podcast.
AJ Allmendinger Recognizes Kyle Busch’s Legendary Status
Despite Busch’s current downturn, Allmendinger acknowledges his remarkable accomplishments throughout his NASCAR career. Busch holds two Cup Series championships, three Xfinity Series titles, and numerous major victories in prestigious events. Allmendinger insists that Busch remains one of the sport’s all-time greats and argues that his recent difficulties do not reflect a loss of driving skill but rather circumstances beyond simple driver ability.
Kyle is one of the best we’ve ever seen, he always will be, and it’s not like he just woke up one day and forgot, ah, I can’t drive anymore, right? Compared to what he used to.
AJ Allmedinger noted.
This perspective underlines that Busch’s recent challenges are not due to a sudden decline in talent but are more likely connected to the complexities surrounding the Next-Gen cars introduced in recent years. These vehicles have presented a steep learning curve for many drivers, including Busch, which explains part of his struggle to regain his former dominance.
Next Steps for Kyle Busch and Richard Childress Racing
Busch’s difficulties with the Next-Gen cars and the technical obstacles facing Richard Childress Racing have left the driver in a frustrating rut. Still, past achievements indicate that Busch possesses the resilience to adapt and return to competitive form once the team addresses these technical issues. How quickly Busch can overcome this downward phase and contend seriously for a third Cup Series championship remains uncertain but is closely watched by NASCAR enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, the ongoing collaboration between Kaulig Racing and RCR may offer opportunities to find solutions. Allmendinger’s close involvement with RCR suggests that his observations could contribute to improvements in the car’s setup and feel. Success in these areas may be the key to helping Busch rediscover his speed and competitive edge on the circuit.
