Kyle Busch is confirmed to continue his NASCAR Cup Series career with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) in 2026, as the 2025 season marks the final year of his current contract. Insider reports indicate that Busch’s options outside RCR are limited, solidifying his likely return with the team for the upcoming season.
Current Status of Kyle Busch’s NASCAR Journey
Entering 2025, Kyle Busch is competing in the last year of his deal with Richard Childress Racing, which he joined ahead of the 2023 season after a distinguished 15-year tenure at Joe Gibbs Racing. Busch initially impressed behind the wheel of the No. 8 Chevrolet with three wins in his first 15 races with RCR. However, since that strong start, he has struggled to maintain consistent top finishes and is currently 17th in the points standings. The two-time Cup champion faces a personal drought, having not won a race in 69 consecutive starts.
Insight from Insider Jordan Bianchi on Busch’s Future
On the “Door Bumper Clear” podcast, Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic shared a key update after speaking with RCR team president Mike Verlander. Verlander made clear his expectation that Busch will not be racing anywhere else during the 2026 season.
“I talked to the team president a week ago, Mike Verlander, and I asked him about Kyle Busch… is Kyle Busch likely to return in 2026? Mike told me, ‘I don’t see Kyle racing anywhere else.’ So, reading between the lines, it seems like Kyle is going to be returning there and that RCR is at least, at a minimum, going to pick up his option,” Bianchi said. “I think Kyle’s future with RCR is probably going to go beyond just another year and past 2026.
—Jordan Bianchi, NASCAR Insider
Limited Options Beyond Richard Childress Racing
The NASCAR Silly Season in 2024 saw significant team changes, including the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing, which shook up the driver market. However, Bianchi does not foresee a similar scenario in 2025 for Busch. With many top teams having solidified their lineups for next season, there are no substantial openings for Busch outside of RCR, making a move elsewhere a lateral shift at best rather than an upgrade.
RCR continues to show promising speed, with Busch and teammate Austin Dillon frequently running in the top-10. This competitive pace supports the idea that Busch has found a stable environment conducive to success.
“You look at Kansas, you look at Texas — Kyle’s been fast. He just doesn’t necessarily have the finishes to correspond with it. He has found a home there. They like him a lot. It’s a good fit, makes a lot of sense and again, if you don’t really have anywhere else where there’s a step up, where you’re at makes sense. He’s shown he can win there. If RCR can give him the cars, he should be able to deliver.
—Jordan Bianchi, NASCAR Insider
The Significance of Busch’s Return and What Lies Ahead
Kyle Busch’s anticipated return to Richard Childress Racing for 2026 holds meaningful implications for both the driver and the team. Despite his winless streak and challenges this season, Busch’s established relationship with RCR and the team’s demonstrated speed suggest a potential resurgence. Continuing with a familiar team also means stability for Busch as he navigates the later stages of his NASCAR career.
For RCR, retaining a driver with Busch’s experience and proven track record could be a vital component in their strategy for returning to consistent competitiveness within the Cup Series. The possibility of extending Busch’s tenure beyond 2026 offers the team a foundation for long-term planning, hoping that with the right equipment, Busch can convert promising runs into victories once again.
