Kevin Harvick, the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion, has expressed serious concern about Kyle Busch’s ongoing troubles in the sport, particularly his unprecedented winless streak. The remarks came amid Busch’s longest drought without a victory, sparking worries about its impact not only on the driver but on NASCAR as a whole.
From Rivalry to Concern: Why Harvick Cares Deeply About Busch’s Struggles
Harvick’s perspective is especially striking given the intense rivalry that once dominated their relationship. During a candid discussion on his Happy Hour podcast, Harvick admitted the animosity they shared in the past, describing moments where he deeply disliked Busch. Yet, the two have since reconciled into a respectful rapport.
We all want to see Kyle Busch win,
Harvick said, adding,
As much as I’ve gone through moments where I hate Kyle Busch. I’ve hated Kyle Busch with a passion at moments. That’s all come full circle, and we’re very much able to communicate and have a good relationship.
These statements highlight the profound shift from fierce competitors clashing on and off the track to peers who now share genuine concern.
The rivalry between Harvick and Busch once fueled some of the most heated confrontations in NASCAR history, including on-track collisions and verbal battles that engaged fans across all three national series. This evolution from bitterness to mutual respect adds emotional weight to Harvick’s current apprehensions.
Harvick’s worry goes beyond their past conflicts, focusing instead on the implications of Busch’s winless span for the sport. He emphasized the negative effect it has on Busch’s legacy and NASCAR’s competitive image.
But 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,
Harvick expressed, underscoring his empathy for Busch’s challenges and the broader consequences for NASCAR’s future.
Examining the Depth of Kyle Busch’s Career-Worst Winless Stretch
The root of these concerns lies in Busch’s lengthy winless streak, the longest of his accomplished career. Since his last victory at Gateway Speedway in June 2023, Busch has gone more than 80 races without a win. This drought has persisted through the entire 2024 season and into 2025, marking the first time he has endured multiple full seasons without a triumph in the Cup Series.
This downturn is surprising given Busch’s prior consistency. The driver had won at least one race in 19 consecutive seasons spanning 2005 through 2023. Yet, in 2025, conditions have worsened; across 30 races with Richard Childress Racing so far this year, he has only managed two top-five finishes and eight top-ten placements, with an average finish near 18th place.
Despite these difficulties, Busch insists his team is dedicated to regaining competitiveness. He openly acknowledged the effort involved behind the scenes, noting:
It is not due to lack of effort, that’s for damn sure,
and continued,
Everybody at RCR, back there at the race shop, they’re working as hard as they can. Engineers are trying to figure it out and look at all the notes and figure out where the speed’s at.
This reflects a persistent commitment within the team despite the ongoing slump.
Now 40 years old, Busch faces increasing pressure to end this historic drought as his career approaches its later phases. Holding 63 career Cup Series wins places him among the elite drivers in NASCAR history, but this extended dry spell threatens to overshadow his previous achievements.
The Broader Impact and What Lies Ahead for Busch and NASCAR
Kevin Harvick’s outspoken concern highlights more than just an individual’s performance struggles; it signals a moment of reckoning for NASCAR’s competitive landscape. Their journey from fierce rivalry to mutual concern portrays a deeper respect within the sport, emphasizing a collective desire to see one of its greatest drivers return to winning form.
As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will remain on Busch and the Richard Childress Racing team to overcome this slump. The resolution of his winless streak could influence not only his personal legacy but also the sport’s appeal to fans and stakeholders who want to see top drivers continue to compete at the highest levels.
Kevin Harvick on the Happy Hour podcast: "We all want to see Kyle Busch win. … as much as I've gone through moments where I hate Kyle Busch. I've hated Kyle Busch with a passion at moments. That's all come full circle, and we're very much able to communicate and have a good…
— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) September 23, 2025
Kevin Harvick on the Happy Hour podcast: "We all want to see Kyle Busch win. … as much as I've gone through moments where I hate Kyle Busch. I've hated Kyle Busch with a passion at moments. That's all come full circle, and we're very much able to communicate and have a good…
— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) September 23, 2025
