Kyle Busch responded decisively to a teammate in the NASCAR Cup Series who recently labeled him as “old and scared.” This comment came from rookie Shane van Gisbergen, who is only four years younger than Busch and made the remark during a SiriusXM NASCAR Radio interview regarding their participation in the Legends Pro division at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Van Gisbergen’s comments came up in a conversation about Busch’s son, Brexton Busch, competing in the Summer Shootout, to which the New Zealand driver said,
“Yeah, he’s in the younger classes though. He is a little bit young and then Kyle’s a little bit old and scared. He is in the masters class. He doesn’t race with us, so that would’ve been fun.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR driver
While Van Gisbergen’s jab was lighthearted, the notion of age and diminished speed is a genuine concern for Busch, a future Hall of Famer who is currently enduring his longest winless streak in the Cup Series at almost 80 races.
Busch Defends Racing Strategy and Experience in Legends Pro Division
Van Gisbergen has made a strong impression in his rookie year, securing three wins and dominating road course events, despite still developing his skills on ovals. Busch, speaking after a rain-delayed qualifying at Dover, addressed the critique by explaining the structure of the Legends Pro division. He noted that drivers over 40 compete in the masters class, where he prefers to race out of respect and to avoid the aggressive style common among younger pro-class racers.
Busch stated,
“In Legends cars, if you’re over 40, you can run in the masters class, which I’m a professional – yes, I race on Sundays, I get it, I should be in the pro class. Well, the pro class you can be anywhere from 12 all the way to wherever. And there’s just a bunch of these kids that are pros that get that designation that go out there and they love to just run into everything.”
He went on to describe his experience in the pro class earlier in the year in Florida, where he faced repeated collisions, leading him to choose the masters class instead:
“I raced the pro class down in Florida earlier this year. I don’t think I finished one of those pro races because I got hit every single time I was on the racetrack and got taken out. So I was like, I am not gonna go run with the kids and get tore up. I’m gonna go run with the old man group and we’re gonna respect each other and take care of each other.”
Further calling out Van Gisbergen, Busch said,
“Ask Shane how many races he’s actually finished in the pro class. Or how many bumpers or fenders or tow links he’s knocked off in the legends cars. You know, my car’s been clean and green and we’ve won a few times, so it’s been much more fun having my stuff come back after a race in one piece.”
—Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver
The Ongoing NASCAR Rivalry and Its Implications
This exchange highlights the competitive tensions among Cup Series drivers as emerging stars like Shane van Gisbergen challenge veterans like Kyle Busch. The dialogue about age, experience, and racing style underscores the pressures Busch faces amid his extended winless streak.
Van Gisbergen’s rapid ascent in the Cup Series with three wins in his first full-time season contrasts sharply with Busch’s recent difficulties but also showcases the evolving dynamics within NASCAR. As both continue to race and develop their skills, these personal rivalries add depth and drama to the sport.
The focus on Busch’s approach in the Legends Pro division also reflects how drivers manage risks and longevity in their careers, balancing aggressive competition with strategic choices that preserve their equipment and health. This dispute may serve to motivate Busch as he seeks to end his drought and reassert his position in the sport.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where will Kyle Busch go in 2026?
A. Kyle Busch will keep driving the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing until the end of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series. This announcement was made on Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina.
Q. Will Kyle Busch retire?
A. Kyle Busch has decided to keep racing with Richard Childress Racing until 2026, saying he isn’t thinking about retiring yet. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion mentioned he wants to compete with his son Brexton in NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series, which is scheduled for six years from now.
