NASCAR veteran Kevin Harvick has publicly raised doubts about whether Kyle Busch can still perform at the same elite level in the Gen 7 Cup Series car, a key concern for fans following Busch’s recent results. Since the Gen 7 car debuted in the 2022 season, Busch has only managed to secure four Cup Series wins, with his last victory happening at Gateway in June 2023. This stretch has left Busch without a win for over two seasons and has also meant missing the playoffs for two consecutive years.
Harvick has highlighted the new car as a likely factor behind Busch’s decline in success, suggesting that the characteristics that once defined Busch’s racing style no longer translate effectively to the latest generation of race cars.
Changes in Driving Dynamics Affecting Busch’s Edge
Speaking on the “Happy Hour” show, Harvick explained how Busch’s previous advantage came from his deep understanding of car setup.
“Everything that made Kyle Busch good up until this Gen 7 car was the fact that he could drive it over the limit, save the car, and he could tell you every single thing that you needed to put in the car to make it go fast,”
Harvick said. He elaborated that Busch used to have a precise knowledge of essential components like springs and shocks, which he credited as crucial to his success.
Harvick went on to explain that this knowledge and control do not carry over with the Gen 7 car, where much of the setup is fixed and less individualized, especially in terms of aero balance. The new car imposes a different set of challenges, limiting a driver’s ability to tune a vehicle according to a personal style. Harvick also observed that Busch’s No. 8 car frequently encounters setbacks like spins, wrecks, or pit road issues, preventing him from sealing consistent strong finishes.
Busch Struggles to Regain His Racing Instincts
Harvick described how Busch used to thrive in high-pressure situations by pushing his car close to its limits and recovering when others thought it was no longer possible. However, recent performances suggest Busch is unable to replicate that feel with the Gen 7 car.
Harvick said,
“You’ve got what you’ve got, and every time that this [No.], 8 car is in position, it’s a spin out, a wreck, or something on pit road, or something happens that’s going on, and just can’t finish the deal.”
Regarding Busch’s mental approach, Harvick added that Busch understands he needs to win and wants to win, but when it comes to critical moments, he tends to push too far and lose control.
Harvick emphasized this by adding,
“Now he just can’t find that feel of putting himself in that position.”
This struggle to regain his former intuition behind the wheel has contributed to Busch’s recent disappointing streaks.
Implications for Busch’s Future Competitiveness
Kevin Harvick’s comments underscore the challenges that some top drivers face in adapting to the Gen 7 car’s unique dynamics. Kyle Busch’s difficulty in translating his previous mastery into success with this newer machine presents questions about how his legacy may evolve in coming seasons. With playoff appearances and victories becoming scarce, Busch must find ways to adjust his driving style or work with his team to overcome these technical hurdles if he hopes to recapture his past dominance.
The tension between traditional driving approaches and the demands of the Gen 7 car highlights a broader shift in NASCAR’s competitive landscape. How Busch and others adapt could significantly shape the sport’s future.
