Randall Burnett, the crew chief for Kyle Busch, has announced his departure from Richard Childress Racing’s No. 8 team to join Trackhouse Racing in 2026, where he will work with rising star Connor Zilisch. This Kyle Busch crew chief change comes after a challenging period from 2024 to 2025, during which Busch failed to secure a victory and missed the playoffs for consecutive seasons.
Despite Kyle Busch’s past success, including multiple wins and playoff appearances, the recent stretch has been disappointing for the veteran driver from Las Vegas. Their last win as a driver-crew chief pair was at World Wide Technology Raceway in 2023, marking a sharp contrast to earlier victories in Busch’s career. These results have made the transition an important moment for both Burnett and Busch as they chart new directions.
Background on Randall Burnett’s NASCAR Journey
Randall Burnett hails from Fenton, Missouri, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. His NASCAR career began in engineering, spending ten years with Chip Ganassi Racing, where he notably worked alongside Kyle Larson during the 2014 season. This foundation set the stage for Burnett’s later success as a crew chief.
Burnett’s first opportunity as a crew chief came in 2016 when he joined JTG Daugherty Racing, collaborating with AJ Allmendinger. However, his major breakthrough followed in 2019 when he teamed with Tyler Reddick in Richard Childress Racing’s Xfinity Series, capturing the championship that year. The duo advanced to the Cup Series in 2020, achieving three wins in 2022 and consistent playoff appearances in 2021 and 2022.
When Tyler Reddick left for 23XI Racing, Burnett transitioned to working with Kyle Busch’s Cup Series team. While the early 2023 success held promise, the subsequent seasons did not meet expectations, leading to this crew chief change.
Impact of the Crew Chief Swap on Trackhouse Racing
Joining Trackhouse Racing will place Burnett alongside Connor Zilisch, a 19-year-old driver quickly making a name for himself in NASCAR. Zilisch has already accumulated nine Xfinity Series wins in his rookie year and will replace Daniel Suárez as part of Trackhouse Racing’s lineup, which includes established drivers Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen. Burnett’s blend of experience with both rising talents and seasoned veterans is expected to boost Zilisch’s development in the sport.
Zilisch’s exposure includes several Cup Series starts at prominent venues such as Circuit of the Americas and Charlotte Motor Speedway, along with participation in the 2025 Rolex 24 endurance race alongside van Gisbergen. This upcoming partnership with Burnett could enhance his competitive edge and consistency.
Questions Surrounding Kyle Busch’s Next Crew Chief
Richard Childress Racing has yet to announce who will replace Randall Burnett as Kyle Busch’s crew chief. The Chevrolet team might consider promoting from within, with Andy Street—a current crew chief for Austin Hill in the Xfinity Series—being a possible candidate.
Kyle Busch remains under contract through 2026 and has expressed his intention to continue racing until his son, Brexton, who is currently 10 years old, is old enough to compete on superspeedways such as Daytona and Talladega. The next crew chief choice will be critical in supporting Busch through the remainder of his career.
Significance of Burnett’s Departure and the Road Ahead
The shift in crew chief signals a notable moment for Kyle Busch’s team, as well as for Trackhouse Racing. For Busch, adapting to a new crew chief could be pivotal in regaining his form and returning to victory lane. For Trackhouse Racing, acquiring Burnett’s expertise offers a substantial boost to their efforts in developing young talent, especially with Connor Zilisch’s rapid rise.
This transition underscores the competitive nature of NASCAR, where technical leadership plays a crucial role in on-track success. Fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see how these changes influence performance during the upcoming seasons.
“We’re confident that Randall’s wealth of experience will be invaluable to Connor,” – Trackhouse Racing representative
