In 2018, during the NASCAR Cup Series season, Kyle Busch was asked about participating in a unique challenge initiated by NASCAR, which aimed to promote health and wellness by encouraging drivers to adopt a vegan diet for a month. The incentive for completing this challenge was receiving the coveted number one pit stall for races. NASCAR hoped this would motivate drivers to try the diet change and showcase their commitment to fitness. Jeff Gluck, a well-known NASCAR analyst, interviewed Busch and inquired whether he would take on the vegan challenge to earn the top pit spot. Busch’s response made it clear that the offer did not appeal to him for a short-term trial.
When asked if he would adopt the diet for more than a week, Busch responded simply,
“If it was for more than one week.”
However, when Gluck asked if Busch would do it just for a single race, Busch replied decisively,
“No. No, no. I haven’t won enough poles in my career that I think that’s mattered — where I’ve ever won a race because I had the No. 1 pit box. So, no, I wouldn’t swap.”
Busch’s refusal highlights his confidence that the pit stall position would not impact his race outcomes, even with a major incentive attached. His extensive career statistics support this view, showcasing his success independent of pole positions or pit stall priority.
Kyle Busch’s Career Achievements Reinforce His Stance
Over his 22-year career in the NASCAR Cup Series, Kyle Busch has accumulated 63 race wins, 253 top-five finishes, and 389 top-10 finishes across 739 starts, illustrating his consistency as a competitor. Additionally, he has earned 33 pole positions in this top-tier series. Outside the Cup Series, Busch has displayed comparable dominance in the Xfinity Series, with 102 wins, 267 top-10 finishes, and 70 pole positions to his name. These numbers suggest that while pole positions and pit stall advantages are beneficial, Busch’s success is primarily a result of his own driving skill and race strategy rather than starting position benefits.
Busch’s Views on Expanding the NASCAR Schedule With New Venues
In June 2025, ahead of the EchoPark race, Kyle Busch offered insights on NASCAR’s evolving schedule during an interview with Frontstretch Media. Reflecting on the recent expansion of tracks included in the Cup Series, Busch expressed support for adding diversity to race locations, which he believes helps grow the sport’s fan base across different regions. He explained,
“I think the schedule having variation is really cool. I think that’s great. I think it gives you a little bit more diversity within your fan base in the areas of the country that you can go races, as long as you can kind of spread it around a little bit, like if you go run Charlotte, Rockingham, Darlington, and North Wilkesboro, all within a two-month span. You’re recruiting the same people, right? So, but going to Mexico is obviously new people.”
Busch also mentioned the possibility of NASCAR returning to other key locations, commenting,
“You know, being able to go back to Chicagoland, maybe, if that’s on the table, that would be cool. San Diego would be cool. I know we’ve picked up some new fans and some different areas of the different trades racetracks that we’ve gone to, so let’s keep it going,”
he concluded. This openness to new venues reflects Busch’s awareness of the sport’s need to evolve while engaging a wider audience across various regions.
Current Season Performance and Future Prospects for Kyle Busch
As of June 2025, Kyle Busch ranks 16th in the NASCAR Cup Series points standings, accumulating 537 points over 25 starts this season. While he has secured seven top-10 finishes and two top-five finishes, he has yet to claim a race win that would guarantee him a spot in the playoffs. His performance remains closely watched by fans and analysts alike, who recognize that Busch’s experience and ability can still shape the outcomes of races as the season progresses.
Busch’s cautious yet hopeful outlook, paired with his selective acceptance of challenges such as the NASCAR vegan diet offer, underscores his strategic mindset in navigating his racing career. His continued competitiveness amid schedule changes and evolving race venues suggests he remains a key figure in NASCAR’s future despite the pressures of a demanding season.
