Kyle Busch’s 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season has been fraught with difficulties, culminating in a disappointing 19th-place finish at the Hollywood Casino 400 during the Kansas playoff race. Representing Richard Childress Racing (RCR), Busch and his team have struggled with car setups and inconsistent results, underscoring an ongoing period of adversity for the No. 8 team.
During the race, tensions rose when Busch’s spotter, Derek Kneeland, showed visible frustration while urging the crew to maintain morale:
I know you guys are trying your as—s off and I know we’re struggling but we’ve gotta try to keep him and everybody upbeat. We are not going home 35th tonight. If we do I’m gonna jump of this f—g spotter’s stand.
Such raw emotion highlights the pressure surrounding Busch and the RCR team as they attempt to halt their decline this season.
Kevin Harvick Advocates for a New Beginning at RCR
On his Happy Hour podcast, veteran NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick voiced the opinion that Kyle Busch and RCR would benefit from a change in direction. Harvick suggested that a fresh start could revive Busch’s competitive edge and help reinvigorate his career. Reflecting on recent comments about the need for renewal, Harvick said,
It was interesting to see his comments this weekend just about how everybody needed a fresh start. When he’s talking about himself and Kyle Busch,
Additionally, Randall Burnett, who previously served as Busch’s crew chief at RCR, expressed optimism about new opportunities while acknowledging the struggles faced by the No. 8 team. In an interview, Burnett remarked,
I’m excited about my opportunity over there, and you know, obviously, something’s got to change on this 8 car,
before adding,
We haven’t been performing the way we needed to. I think everybody needs a fresh start. I got a really good opportunity with where I’m going. Obviously, Connor’s a great young talent. I miss working with the younger guys. So, you know, just kind of all worked out.
Kyle Busch’s Recent Performance Slump Amid a Storied Career
Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion with 63 career wins, has faced a prolonged winless period despite his decorated history. His last victory came in 2023, and the 2025 season has proven particularly difficult as he currently ranks 21st overall. Consistent top-10 finishes have eluded him, with only a single top-five finish—a fifth place at the Circuit of the Americas—standing out as a bright spot amidst the struggle.
Even the team acknowledges issues remain; while the car shows potential to compete, lapses in performance continue to hold Busch back from returning to contention.
Harvick Reflects on the Need for Change, Echoing Busch’s Situation
Kevin Harvick shared his empathy for Busch’s difficulties, relating them to lessons from his own career path. On the ongoing theme of starting fresh, Harvick stated,
Kyle Busch had another miserable weekend. But I think he’s right. I think that Kyle needs a fresh start, too, with somebody else to just kind of reset. The way that I took Randall’s comments where it was just time for everybody to just start over in a new situation,
reinforcing the notion that change may be vital for Busch’s resurgence.
Harvick also touched on the scrutiny faced by RCR as a whole, noting that while the team possesses the capability to perform, improvements are essential in several areas. His remarks further emphasized a collective hope among fans and insiders for Busch to recapture his winning form. As Harvick put it,
We all want to see Kyle Busch win,
highlighting the widespread desire to witness the sport’s veteran stars return to prominence.
The Turning Point in Kevin Harvick’s Own Career
Kevin Harvick’s own NASCAR journey provides context for the challenges Busch faces today. Beginning with Richard Childress Racing in 2001 after the death of Dale Earnhardt Sr., Harvick quickly made an impact by winning his third Cup Series start at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Over a 13-year tenure at RCR, he accumulated 23 victories and frequently competed near the top of the standings, yet championship success remained elusive.
Throughout his time at RCR, tensions occasionally surfaced. A notable incident in 2013 at Martinsville involving Ty Dillon marked one of several moments of internal friction. Reflecting on his departure from RCR, Harvick remarked,
Just like everybody else’s job, sometimes you need a change to get going again,
signaling that a new environment was necessary for renewed growth.
A Strategic Shift to Stewart-Haas Racing Sparks Career Revival
In 2014, Harvick transitioned to Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), where he partnered with crew chief Rodney Childers. The collaboration quickly became successful, with Harvick praising Childers’ competitive mindset:
The biggest difference with Rodney is he’s a guy who wants to win practice, qualify on the pole, lead every lap, run the fastest lap of the race and that’s what he expected as a driver,
while also adding,
A lot of times, you just don’t know how relationships are going to go. Sometimes, you hit it. Sometimes, you don’t. For us, he’s very low-key, but he’s very competitive.
This new partnership marked a turning point in Harvick’s career. In the 2014 season, Harvick achieved four victories and maintained a consistently high level of performance. His efforts culminated in capturing the NASCAR Cup Series championship at the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, affirming the success of the move and solidifying his legacy in the sport.
What Lies Ahead for Kyle Busch and RCR
As Kyle Busch continues to face ongoing challenges through the 2025 season, the voices of experienced insiders like Kevin Harvick and Randall Burnett suggest that a fresh start may be the catalyst necessary for a turnaround. Busch’s proven talent and past success offer hope that with adjustments—whether personnel-related, strategic, or environmental—he can regain his winning form.
The situation at Richard Childress Racing remains critical, with team officials recognizing that improvements must be made to reach competitive consistency. Fans, commentators, and fellow drivers alike look forward to seeing how both Busch and RCR evolve as the season progresses, hopeful that change will spark renewed energy and success in a demanding NASCAR landscape.
