Kyle Busch, who has been racing for Richard Childress Racing (RCR) since 2023, is approaching the end of his current contract at the conclusion of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. Despite becoming a high-profile free agent in the near future, sources suggest that Busch’s career will continue with RCR beyond the 2026 season, reinforcing his ongoing partnership with the team.
Insights From NASCAR Insider Jordan Bianchi on Busch’s Continuation
During a recent episode of the Door, Bumper, Clear podcast, Jordan Bianchi, a respected NASCAR reporter with The Athletic, shared details from a conversation with RCR team president Mike Verlander. Bianchi relayed Verlander’s confidence in Busch staying put for 2026, and possibly longer.
“I talked to the team president, Mike Verlander, I asked him about Kyle Busch. Is Kyle Busch likely to return in 2026? Mike told me, ‘I don’t see Kyle racing anywhere else.’ So, reading between the lines, it seems like Kyle is going to be returning there and RCR is at least, at a minimum, going to pick up his option. I actually think that Kyle’s future with RCR is probably going to go beyond just another year and apst 2026.”
—Jordan Bianchi on Kyle Busch’s future with Richard Childress Racing
Limited Alternatives for Busch if He Becomes a Free Agent
The discussion highlighted that if Busch were to reach free agency, better opportunities might not be available. While Spire Motorsports could have an opening, a move there would be considered lateral rather than an upgrade for one of NASCAR’s elite drivers. Other top teams like Hendricks Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing already have their driver lineups nearly secured through contract renewals.
Busch’s Recent Performance and Current Season Overview
Despite not claiming a race win since the 2023 Enjoy Illinois 300, Kyle Busch’s season shows signs of competitiveness. This year, he has accumulated 244 points through 12 races, with four top-10 finishes and one top-5 finish. His average finish is 18.1, ranking 15th in that category, and he has led 62 laps, placing him 13th in laps led for the season. While he missed the playoffs last year, both Busch and the No. 8 RCR car have demonstrated speed and potential this season as they prepare for the upcoming Coca-Cola 600.
RCR Likely to Secure Busch Through 2027 Amid Stable Driver Lineups Elsewhere
With 23XI Racing expected to retain rookie Riley Herbst for 2026 and Hendricks Motorsports as well as Joe Gibbs Racing maintaining or renewing contracts with their current drivers, RCR remains Busch’s strongest option. The driver has also indicated that retirement is not under consideration at this time, making an extended stay with Richard Childress Racing a real possibility through at least 2027.
Considering these elements, Kyle Busch’s future with Richard Childress Racing appears secure beyond 2026, which could maintain one of NASCAR’s most accomplished careers within a familiar and competitive environment.
