Kyle Busch will start the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season without his longtime crew chief Randall Burnett, who is moving to Trackhouse Racing to lead the pit box for rising talent Connor Zilisch. This change occurs as Busch’s 2025 season has been marked by challenges on and off the track, including difficulty securing wins and ongoing questions about his future in NASCAR.
Randall Burnett Leaves Busch’s Team to Join Trackhouse Racing
Randall Burnett, who has been with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) since 2017 and began working with Kyle Busch in 2023, will make the transition to Trackhouse Racing for the 2026 season. He will assume the role of crew chief for Connor Zilisch, a promising young driver moving into full-time Cup competition.
The announcement was first made by respected NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass on social media, stating,
“On the move: Current Kyle Busch crew chief Randall Burnett will move to Trackhouse next season and will be the crew chief for Connor Zilisch.”
The change was later confirmed by Trackhouse Racing’s official channels, adding,
“NEWS: Welcome to The House, Randall Burnett! He joins as @ConnorZilisch’s crew chief for 2026.”
Burnett’s departure comes during a difficult year for Busch, who has yet to secure a victory in the 2025 season and has faced inconsistent competitiveness. Losing Burnett represents a major shift for the No. 8 team and raises questions about who will fill the critical crew chief role moving forward.
The End of a Significant Busch-Burnett Partnership
Burnett’s tenure at RCR spans nearly ten years, initially contributing in technical and engineering positions before becoming a noted crew chief. Prior to working with Busch, he led teams for drivers Tyler Reddick and Austin Dillon. His partnership with Busch began in 2023, producing multiple wins and fueling optimism for the duo’s potential success.
However, the 2025 campaign has not met expectations, with Busch struggling to maintain consistent performance and remaining winless—a stark contrast to his history as a two-time Cup champion. Though RCR faces broader performance issues, the exit removes one of Busch’s key confidants, adding uncertainty about the team’s strategic direction.
Trackhouse Racing’s Strategy Emphasizes Youth and Experience
Trackhouse Racing’s acquisition of Burnett highlights its intent to invest in the future by combining a seasoned crew chief with an up-and-coming driver. Connor Zilisch, a teenager with strong potential, will benefit from Burnett’s proven expertise as he embarks on his Cup career. The team aims for this pairing to drive growth and establish Zilisch as a competitive force.
Bringing in Burnett reflects Trackhouse’s commitment to building a stable and experienced leadership structure around Zilisch, reinforcing the organization’s long-term competitiveness in NASCAR’s top series.
The evolving landscape signifies that Busch’s crew chief departure could mark a pivotal moment for both his team and Trackhouse Racing as they prepare for the challenges of the 2026 season.
NEWS: Welcome to The House, Randall Burnett!
He joins as @ConnorZilisch's crew chief for 2026. pic.twitter.com/cbrVi9vcIs
— Trackhouse Racing (@TeamTrackhouse) September 23, 2025
On the move: Current Kyle Busch crew chief Randall Burnett will move to Trackhouse next season and will be the crew chief for Connor Zilisch. @NASCARONFOX
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 23, 2025
