Kyle Busch’s 2025 NASCAR season has been notably challenging, marked by inconsistency and a slip from his prior successes. The veteran driver, under contract with Richard Childress Racing through 2026, has struggled to recapture his winning form, prompting discussions around a possible Kyle Busch NASCAR comeback. An intriguing idea gaining traction involves his long-time rival and friend, Denny Hamlin, potentially playing a pivotal role in revitalizing Busch’s career by bringing him into 23XI Racing.
The frustration surrounding Busch’s current performance was starkly visible during the 2010 NASCAR All-Star race at Charlotte when Hamlin and Busch collided in the final laps, sparking heated radio exchanges. Since then, their relationship has evolved away from confrontations on the track. Yet, Busch’s win drought, which has lingered since 2023, has motivated fans and insiders alike to explore alternative solutions to rekindle his competitiveness, including reuniting with Hamlin in a shared team environment.
Assessing Kyle Busch’s Struggles in 2025 and the 23XI Racing Proposal
This season, Busch’s results have been underwhelming by his own standards, with only two top-five finishes and eight top-ten placements across 30 races. He has led a mere 62 laps during this period. His standout effort came at the Chicago Street Course, where despite a spin and penalty, he managed a commendable fifth-place finish. However, a mix of car reliability issues and fluctuating form has hindered consistent success.
Despite these hurdles, Busch remains committed to pushing forward, especially after securing a contract extension with Richard Childress Racing through 2026. He and his team are focused on identifying speed improvements and regaining momentum before the season ends. Meanwhile, the idea of moving to 23XI Racing, co-owned by Denny Hamlin, is gaining momentum as a potential path for Busch’s resurgence.
Danielle Trotta, speaking on the podcast “Rubbin’ is Racing,” advocated for Busch’s placement in 23XI Racing’s third car, highlighting several factors shaping her recommendation:
I’ll tell you where I would want to put him if I could. I would put him in that third 23XI car. He has a really good relationship with Denny. They get along great. He knows the Toyota landscape. Riley Herbst is not performing, and he’s got a little money that he brings with him in sponsorship. Like, if I’m Denny, if I’m Kyle, I’m like, ‘Bro, do your boy a favor. Get me in your car.’ Yeah. I want to win again.
— Danielle Trotta, NASCAR Analyst
Herbst, the rookie driver currently in the No. 35 car for 23XI Racing, has experienced a volatile season. Though he has not qualified for a top 10 finish yet, he recorded notable performances such as 14th place at Talladega and consistent finishes hovering around the mid-teens at high-profile tracks like Daytona, Atlanta, and Circuit of the Americas (COTA). However, his overall stats, including an average start of 27.23 and average finish of 26.10 with three DNFs, have left the team with concerns as he remains outside the playoff bracket and without wins or top-five finishes.
The prospect of Busch stepping into this role presents both challenges and opportunities. With his deep knowledge of Toyota vehicles and proven track record, many see a potential revival if he joins 23XI Racing’s roster. This could allow Busch to leverage existing sponsor interest and a closer alignment with Hamlin’s operations to regain his competitive edge.
Changing Dynamics Within 23XI Racing and Kyle Busch’s Crew Challenges
23XI Racing has been a Toyota powerhouse in the current NASCAR Round of 16, with drivers Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick contributing critical points. Wallace, in particular, has been a key player, leading all playoff drivers in stage points with 35 and emerging consistently as a championship contender. Reddick, while less consistent, has produced flashes of brilliance, such as his runner-up finish at Darlington.
Still, both Wallace and Reddick face an uphill battle, currently positioned 11th and 12th respectively in the standings as the series heads to Kansas Speedway. Meanwhile, Busch’s own team dynamics have been upended as his crew chief, Randall Burnett—who has been with Busch since 2020—has departed to join Trackhouse Racing’s newcomer Connor Zilisch in 2026. This departure leaves Busch’s campaign vulnerable and raises questions about potential replacements, especially after rumors that Rodney Childers would move to another team, JR Motorsports. Without a clear crew chief, Busch is left grappling with more internal uncertainty during a critical juncture in his career.
A Veteran’s Perspective: Kevin Harvick’s Hope For Busch’s Revival
Kevin Harvick, a fellow NASCAR veteran and former rival, shared his candid reflections on Busch’s current struggles during a recent episode of the Happy Hour podcast. Harvick admitted that his past animosity toward Busch has given way to disappointment about the downturn he’s witnessing:
I can’t imagine Kyle Busch going out like this. It’s bad for everything. It’s bad for the sport. It’s bad for him. It’s bad for everything that says ‘Kyle Busch.’ I hate to see where it’s at.
— Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Driver
Harvick emphasized that Busch’s difficulties extend beyond the car, pointing to the fact that his teammate Austin Dillon managed to secure a win this season while Busch flounders. The puzzling decline is made even starker by the loss of Burnett and unconfirmed crew chief prospects, with Harvick stating,
I don’t believe Kyle Busch is that bad. I have a hard time believing that. So, it’s definitely kind of a mess.
— Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Driver
Alongside Harvick and others, fans are increasingly concerned about whether Busch will retire soon, with whispers growing louder. Yet, there is a shared desire to witness one last surge of the passionate, fierce “Rowdy” Busch who once led laps, spoke boldly, and electrified fans. For now, though, the NASCAR community is left hoping for a comeback that remains uncertain.
The Stakes Ahead for Kyle Busch and NASCAR’s Landscape
Kyle Busch’s predicament holds significance beyond any individual driver’s career. As a two-time NASCAR Cup champion, his downturn affects the sport’s competitive narrative and the fanbase’s enthusiasm. The possibility of Busch joining 23XI Racing, under Hamlin’s ownership and mentorship, offers a storyline that could reenergize both the driver and Toyota’s supplier dominance.
With the playoffs intensifying and Busch’s lackluster results juxtaposed against teammate Austin Dillon’s success, the urgency for change grows. Busch’s experience, coupled with strategic moves in the garage, may still unlock a path to the playoffs and possibly to a renewed winning streak. Meanwhile, Hamlin’s position as both friend and rival presents a compelling dynamic that could prove pivotal for Busch’s resurgence on the NASCAR stage.
As the 2025 season continues toward its critical final phases, all eyes remain on Busch, Hamlin, and 23XI Racing to see if this alliance can spark a comeback and restore the intensity and competitiveness fans have long associated with Kyle Busch’s racing persona.
