Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, remains in contention for the NASCAR playoffs as the regular season approaches its conclusion. Although Busch has yet to secure a win in 2025 and faced a difficult weekend at Richmond Raceway, his Kyle Busch NASCAR playoff chance persists heading into the August 23 race at Daytona International Speedway. The stakes are high as Busch looks to clinch a postseason berth through a vital victory this weekend.
Busch currently sits 148 points below the playoff cutoff following an unfortunate race in Virginia, where his teammate Austin Dillon emerged victorious and secured a spot in the playoffs. Only a win at Daytona could ensure Busch’s entry alongside Dillon, attempting to secure a rare double playoff qualification for their Richard Childress Racing team.
Analysis of Busch’s Richmond Race Performance
The Athletic’s Jeff Gluck provided a candid assessment of Busch’s challenging Richmond performance during The Teardown podcast. Gluck described Busch’s race as chaotic, noting that the driver seemed frustrated with his car’s handling from the start and was involved in multiple incidents on the track.
“We talked about how it’s a great night for RCR. Kyle Bush had, like, I don’t know what was going on,”
Jeff Gluck, NASCAR analyst
Gluck detailed how Busch acted like a “wrecking ball,” colliding with several competitors including Chase Elliott, Briscoe, and teammates, while expressing frustration over speeding on pit road through nearly every section of the race.
“Then he had the moment there where he sped on pit road from sections one through 10. Like every section. It was just like, dude, and then his teammate wins.”
Jeff Gluck, NASCAR analyst
Despite the rough outing, Gluck still sees potential for Busch at Daytona, saying,
“But you know, I still feel like he’ll have a chance next week,”
Jeff Gluck, NASCAR analyst
He added that the possibility of both Richard Childress Racing cars advancing to the playoffs would be a significant achievement after a challenging season for the team.
“Wouldn’t it be something if RCR got both cars into the playoffs. After the year they’ve had, RCR gets both cars in, eliminating a Hendrick car [Bowman] or a 23XI car [Reddick].”
Jeff Gluck, NASCAR analyst
Teammate Austin Dillon’s Support and Strategy for Daytona
With the season finale at Daytona just days away, Austin Dillon’s recent victory not only locked him into the playoffs but also positioned him as a key ally for Busch as they aim for a double playoff entry. Dillon emphasized the importance of supporting Busch’s efforts on the track during a post-Richmond interview.
“We have to help our guy out in the [No.] 8,”
Austin Dillon, Richard Childress Racing driver
He continued to outline their plan of action to boost Busch’s chances by securing bonus points and stage finishes at Daytona.
“Try to support him as much as we can, get another RCR teammate in there. He’s really good at Daytona. [I have to] do what I can, maybe try to get us bonus points, stages, and stuff. The focus probably goes to the [No.] 8 now.”
Austin Dillon, Richard Childress Racing driver
Upcoming Daytona Race Holds Key to Busch’s Playoff Fate
As the NASCAR regular season concludes at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, August 23, all eyes will be on Kyle Busch’s performance. A win in this final race would grant him a spot in the playoffs, revitalizing his chances after a challenging season start. The collaboration with teammate Austin Dillon underscores the strategic importance of teamwork in this critical moment.
If Busch can secure a victory, Richard Childress Racing could celebrate the success of having both their No. 3 and No. 8 cars advance into the postseason, potentially disrupting the playoff landscape for teams like Hendrick Motorsports and 23XI Racing. For Busch and his team, Daytona represents a last opportunity to turn the season around and push forward into championship contention.
