Kyle Busch’s struggles continued on Sunday at the Charlotte ROVAL when he crashed on the opening lap, resulting in major damage to his car. Busch, who started 28th in the NASCAR Cup Series race, pointed directly at Carson Hocevar for causing the crash that ended his day prematurely.
Busch spun out in Turn 1 and struck the wall, forcing his team to send him to the garage for repairs due to significant damage on the right side of his car. Speaking over the radio, Busch expressed frustration, blaming Hocevar for the incident early in the race. “We’re junked,” Busch said. “The 77 wrecked us,” according to Kelly Crandall of RACER/ESPN.
A Challenging Season for Busch Takes Another Hit at Charlotte
Busch is enduring a difficult stretch, with no NASCAR Cup Series wins since June 2023, and his disappointing results continued to mount at the Charlotte ROVAL. Entering Sunday’s race, he was 21st in the points standings after leading only 62 laps this season. Instead of competing for position, Busch found himself sidelined in the garage for much of the event.
The crash not only underscored his struggles this year but also added to the list of confrontations involving Carson Hocevar. Hocevar has been involved in numerous track incidents throughout the season with drivers such as Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Brad Keselowski, Zane Smith, and even his own Spire Motorsports teammate Michael McDowell. Busch now joins that list of drivers who have clashed with Hocevar on the track.
New Crew Chief Andy Street’s Debut Cut Short
Sunday’s race was expected to mark a fresh beginning for Busch and the No. 8 team, as Andy Street made his debut as crew chief, replacing Randall Burnett. The change was designed to bring new energy, with Burnett set to take over as crew chief for Connor Zilisch next season. Unfortunately, the early crash prevented Street from making any strategic decisions during the race, and Busch was unable to demonstrate any improvement behind the wheel.
“Kyle Busch ends his day On Lap 1 Turn 1!!What a Joke! Kyle Busch needs to hang it up!”—The Joe, Social Media Commentator
Busch’s early exit from the race adds to his ongoing frustrations during a season that has been marked by setbacks and missed opportunities. As the 2025 season nears its conclusion, questions remain about how Busch and his team will rebound in future races. The crash at Charlotte highlights the challenges Busch faces in regaining his form and competing at the top of the NASCAR Cup Series once more.
Kyle Busch went into Turn 1 and was hit from behind and sent into the wall. 8 car radio, "We're junked. The 77 wrecked us."
— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) October 5, 2025
Kyle Busch ends his day On Lap 1 Turn 1!!
What a Joke!
Kyle Busch needs to hang it up!
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/KswpABixfP
— The Joe (@TheJoe746) October 5, 2025
