This season, Kyle Busch has faced ongoing challenges with his racecar’s performance, a situation that AJ Allmendinger understands firsthand. The concerns surrounding Kyle Busch car struggles have drawn attention, especially given the close working relationship between Kaulig Racing and Richard Childress Racing (RCR) based in Welcome, North Carolina.
Collaboration Between Kaulig Racing and RCR Impacts Insight on Performance Issues
Kaulig Racing operates on the RCR campus, which has allowed AJ Allmendinger to gain some perspective on the difficulties Kyle Busch’s No. 8 team has been experiencing. Despite not being teammates in a traditional sense, the connection between the two racing groups this year has provided Allmendinger with a clearer look at what’s affecting their cars’ speed and handling.
Allmendinger noted,
“I can’t explain on their side of it. … I don’t know, I don’t have a perfect answer for it,”
acknowledging the complexity behind the issues. He highlighted that the team is dealing with a
“lack of feel in the racecar right now,”
especially significant because Kyle Busch is considered one of the best drivers, and this is not due to a loss of skill.
“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,”
Allmendinger said.
Teamwide Challenges With Speed and Adjustments
The struggles are not limited to just Busch or RCR; Engine Competition Racing (ECR) teams such as RCR, Kaulig, and Trackhouse Racing have all faced issues with their engine performance this season. Drivers like Ross Chastain and AJ Allmendinger have similarly voiced frustrations about their cars’ speed. Within this group, Trackhouse Racing has still managed to secure race wins, and Kaulig has occasionally outperformed RCR, raising questions about where the root of the problem lies.
Allmendinger further explained that everyone
“is generally trying to find more speed,”
and compared their efforts to top Chevy teams like Hendrick Motorsports, which serves as a benchmark in terms of performance. He added,
“We’re all in search mode a little bit, but I think on their group, and obviously, there’s turnover now, with Randall leaving.”
Crew Changes and Their Effect on Team Dynamics
Randall Burnett, who has been a fixture at RCR, is set to depart at the end of the season to join Trackhouse Racing, where he will work with rookie driver Connor Zilisch. Meanwhile, Andy Street is scheduled to serve as the crew chief for Kyle Busch at the upcoming Roval event. These changes may influence team chemistry and the ongoing efforts to resolve the car’s handling and speed deficiencies.
The Psychological Dimension of Racing Struggles
Allmendinger touched upon the mental challenges involved in handling performance issues on the track, which he believes are a universal experience among drivers.
“I fight this all the time, we all fight this, in life, I think,”
he reflected.
“You start struggling, you lack confidence, and then you don’t start trusting yourself. It’s difficult.”
This insight sheds light on how the technical problems with Kyle Busch’s car are not just mechanical but also impact driver confidence and performance.
Implications for the Team’s Future Competitiveness
Kyle Busch car struggles highlight a broader challenge for RCR and its affiliated teams this season, revealing a competitive gap when compared to top-tier teams like Hendrick Motorsports and even some fellow ECR partners. The ongoing search for improved speed and feel in the racecar underscores the urgency for technical and personnel solutions. As key staff transitions occur and crew chiefs shift roles, how these changes will affect Busch’s performance remains to be seen.
Maintaining a competitive edge in this tense and demanding environment will require collaboration and innovation within Richard Childress Racing as they attempt to regain the confidence and speed that have been elusive this year. The coming weeks—and particularly the Roval race with Andy Street as crew chief—could prove pivotal in determining whether the No. 8 team can turn their struggles around.
