Kyle Busch has stated that he does not feel extra pressure as the NASCAR playoffs approach, despite not having won a race this season. Although he is aware that time is slipping away to secure a victory, Busch maintains a calm outlook regarding his current performance.
The 2024 season has proven challenging for Busch, who has yet to claim a win and only recorded two top-five and seven top-10 finishes so far. Entering the year with the longest winless stretch of his career, Busch has struggled to find the front of the pack quickly enough, with his last Cup victory dating back to June 2023.
At the Circuit of The Americas race in March, Busch led for 42 laps but ultimately fell back late in the event. After 24 races this year, his average starting position stands at 16.24 while his average finish is 17.625, with a total of 62 laps led overall.
In a conversation with Bob Pockrass, Busch shared his mindset about the season’s progression:
“We just know time’s running out, but I don’t think the pressure is any greater. It’s just a matter of being able to get it done. And right now is the best time, you know. So you can go try to prepare for a championship. I’m not stressed out over it. We go into each weekend with the mindset to try to go out and win.”
—Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver
Despite his struggles in the standings, Busch’s position before the Richmond race shows he remains over 100 points shy of the playoff cutoff. Still, he holds confidence in his consistency and ability to improve, backed by his historic tally of 232 victories across NASCAR’s three major series. While chasing his elusive third Cup Series championship, Busch continues to be a formidable competitor both on and off the track.
Kyle Busch Critiques NASCAR Schedule with Focus on Las Vegas’ Two Races
Busch has openly questioned the structure of the current NASCAR Cup Series schedule, particularly addressing the fact that Las Vegas Motor Speedway, his hometown track, hosts two races while other venues have lost dates. Although he feels a personal bond with Vegas, he doubts the need for two events there unless the stands are consistently full for each race.
In remarks to Frontstretch, Busch explained:
“I have kind of said it for a few years that if you’re not packing the grandstands and selling out every single time, then you only need one date, you know?”
—Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver
“As much as I love Vegas and Vegas is my hometown, I don’t think Vegas needs two dates. Definitely some other places that can utilize a date and have an opportunity to keep their places alive,”
—Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver
Looking ahead to 2026, notable races such as the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, and the season finale will continue at Homestead-Miami Speedway, while new additions like a street race in San Diego signal NASCAR’s efforts to refresh its calendar and attract broader audiences. Busch’s observations highlight ongoing debates about balancing tradition with innovation in NASCAR’s evolving schedule.
