Randall Burnett will take over as crew chief for Connor Zilisch’s rookie season in the NASCAR Cup Series next year, having left his position with Richard Childress Racing’s No. 8 team and Kyle Busch, which he held since 2023. This Kyle Busch crew chief change has sparked concerns from veteran driver Kevin Harvick, who expressed doubts about how the transition has affected Busch’s recent performance.
Randall Burnett Takes New Role Leading Rookie Connor Zilisch
Richard Childress Racing announced Burnett’s move after six years with the organization, where he supported drivers such as Kyle Busch, Tyler Reddick, and A.J. Allmendinger. Now, Trackhouse Racing has entrusted Burnett with guiding Zilisch through his initial Cup Series campaign, marking a fresh chapter for both the crew chief and the young driver.
Kevin Harvick Reacts to Crew Chief Shift and Team Performance
Despite Burnett’s promising future with Zilisch, Kevin Harvick voiced skepticism regarding how the No. 8 team managed the change amid the current NASCAR season. Hosting his podcast, Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, he reflected on the impact it may have had on Busch’s results during the past few weeks.
I think when you look at the performance of the No. 8 the last couple of weeks, it probably reflects that there’s something going on,
Harvick said. “Usually when those things happen, they’re handled one of two ways—either badly or well. And I think back to my time at RCR. The best thing I ever did was walk into Richard Childress’ office and tell him that I was leaving. It wasn’t great in that moment, but it showed him the respect of getting way out in front of it.
It’s not easy, it’s not fun to sit in that room and have that conversation, but it allows you to ask: How do we build something around this to keep the performance where it needs to be? And we still won races that last year. But with this situation coming up so late, think about the position it puts RCR in, having to find a crew chief and change the No. 8 car and the way that program is running. So, to me, it doesn’t feel like it’s been handled very well.
Challenges Facing Kyle Busch and RCR Amid Crew Chief Change
The No. 8 Chevrolet team is undergoing significant adjustments as Kyle Busch’s career approaches its full-time close. The arrival of a new crew chief is seen as a crucial step to reinvigorate Busch’s competitiveness, which appears to have struggled in recent weeks following Burnett’s departure from the role.
Harvick highlighted the broader consequences this situation could have on the sport, emphasizing the importance of Busch’s continued success.
We all want to see Kyle Busch win. I mean, it’s good for the sport. It’s Kyle freaking Busch, right? There’s nothing worse,
Harvick remarked. “And look, as much as I’ve gone through moments where I hated Kyle Busch—hated him with a passion at times—that’s all come full circle. Now we can communicate, and we’ve got a good relationship.
But I just 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.’ And I just—I hate to see where it’s at right now.
Looking Ahead: Can Kyle Busch Return to Victory Lane?
While Zilisch embarks on his NASCAR Cup Series journey with Burnett by his side, Kyle Busch’s path remains uncertain. Harvick expressed hope that Busch, a former champion with multiple victories to his name, will return to winning form despite the recent turbulence within the No. 8 team.
The situation underscores the delicate balance a team must maintain when undergoing leadership transitions, especially involving high-profile drivers nearing the end of their full-time careers. Whether Busch will reclaim his status at the front of the pack is a storyline NASCAR fans will be watching closely in the coming races.
