Kyle Busch’s prolonged winless streak is raising serious concerns within the NASCAR community, especially after his move to Richard Childress Racing (RCR) in 2023. Despite an impressive start with three victories in just two months, the No. 8 team has since struggled, prompting former champion Kevin Harvick to voice his worries about the impact on the sport.
During a recent appearance on the Fox Sports Happy Hour podcast, Kevin Harvick discussed Busch’s current challenges, particularly in light of the news that crew chief Randall Burnett will be leaving to join Trackhouse Racing for Conor Zilisch’s 2026 rookie season. Harvick stressed how this development is likely to deepen Busch’s difficulties during what is arguably the toughest period in his career.
Kevin Harvick Emphasizes the Harm of Busch’s Winless Streak on NASCAR
Harvick, who won the championship in 2014, reflected on the broader consequences of Kyle Busch’s inability to secure wins recently. He emphasized how essential it is for the sport to see the veteran racer return to victory lane, highlighting the significance of Busch not only for RCR but for NASCAR as a whole.
“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. 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.” Kevin Harvick said via Happy Hour podcast.
Harvick underscored that despite their previous rivalry, the respect between him and Busch has grown, underlining the urgency of seeing one of the most versatile drivers across all three national racing series regain his winning form. He also revealed his disbelief at the thought of Busch ending his career without wins for multiple seasons.
“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.” Kevin Harvick added.
The current winless stretch is not only damaging Busch’s individual brand but also poses risks for Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR’s competitive allure. Harvick pointed out that the ongoing slump seems unlikely to improve in the immediate future given the current circumstances at RCR.
Impact of Crew Chief Randall Burnett’s Departure on Team Morale and Performance
Further elaborating on the challenges, Harvick discussed how the recent announcement concerning Randall Burnett’s move to Trackhouse Racing has destabilized the No. 8 team. Referring to their recent performances, he suggested that RCR has not managed this transition effectively.
“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. Usually when those things happen, they’re handled one of two ways—either badly or well.” Kevin Harvick said.
Harvick drew from his own past experiences, recalling when he was in a similar position with Stewart-Haas Racing having one year’s notice before a crew chief change. At that time, strategic decisions helped secure victories despite the transition. In contrast, the timing of Burnett’s departure puts pressure on RCR to quickly find a suitable replacement while still pursuing wins late in the season.
“… 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.” Kevin Harvick added.
The urgency to secure leadership for the No. 8 car amid the ongoing loss of momentum underscores a difficult phase for both Busch and the team. As the 2023 season approaches its final stretch, the chances of breaking the winless trend appear slim unless significant changes occur.
What Lies Ahead for Kyle Busch and Richard Childress Racing?
Kyle Busch and his crew are currently navigating a precarious position. With Burnett’s departure looming and performance slipping, their immediate focus must be on weathering the remainder of the season. Strategically, the priority lies in appointing the right crew chief for 2026 and dedicating the off-season to car improvements that can restore competitiveness.
The legacy of a driver held in high regard across the sport, Busch’s struggles serve as a stark reminder of how swiftly fortunes can change in NASCAR. Harvick’s warnings reflect genuine concern that without decisive action, the prolonged downturn could tarnish Busch’s career achievements and disrupt RCR’s standing in the sport.
Ultimately, NASCAR fans and insiders alike are watching closely, hoping that both Kyle Busch and Richard Childress Racing can overcome these obstacles to return to winning ways and reinvigorate their championship aspirations.
