Kyle Busch is enduring a challenging period as his NASCAR struggles deepen during the 2025 season, with just five races left to salvage results for Richard Childress Racing (RCR). The two-time Cup Series champion’s frustrations have grown amid poor finishes, a crew chief change, and ongoing mechanical issues, spotlighting a team in urgent need of improvement.
Busch, who began his tenure at RCR nearly three seasons ago with three early wins at Auto Club Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, and World Wide Technology Raceway, has failed to replicate that success in recent months. Despite a promising start, his results have dramatically declined, current statistics reveal a lackluster performance: two Top-5 finishes, eight Top-10s, and only 62 laps led across 31 races. His average starting position is 17.74, with an average finish of 18.29, signaling a stark decline in competitiveness.
Underlying Issues Behind Busch’s Declining Performance
The root of Busch’s ongoing struggles within NASCAR’s Cup garage appears multifaceted. After finishing 14th in the 2023 playoffs, he has missed the postseason cut again this year. His challenges have been magnified by several mechanical setbacks, including a notable incident at the Pennzoil 400 on Las Vegas Motor Speedway where a detached wheel forced an early exit after just 35 laps. This incident resulted in disciplinary action against his pit crew, with his jackman and rear tire changer both receiving two-race suspensions, underscoring the broader operational issues plaguing the team.
Busch’s woes continued at the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte. He was caught in a large multi-car accident on lap 246, finishing 37th. These struggles form part of a disturbing pattern, as he has failed to achieve a Top-10 finish in the last ten playoff races, averaging overall results near 22nd place. His current standing at 21st is troubling for a driver accustomed to competing at the sport’s highest level.
Compounding these performance issues is the departure of crew chief Randall Burnett, who has announced he will leave RCR at the end of the season to join Trackhouse Racing, supporting Connor Zilisch’s 2026 promotion. Burnett’s exit adds another layer of uncertainty as Busch faces the remainder of the year under interim crew chief Andy Street, formerly successful in the Xfinity Series.
Addressing what the team must improve, Busch summarized his perspective in an interview with Frontstretch:
“Some consistency, you know, just some more of knowing why we’re doing what we’re doing instead of some sort of shooting from the hip, if you will. I would say the short answer is yes. It’s everything, you know. You’ve got to have, in this day and time, right now with this car and everything, you’ve got to have every little detail absolutely perfect.”
Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver
This quote reflects Busch’s call for precision and clarity, highlighting frustrations with the current approach that seems reactive rather than calculated.
Rumors of Team Changes and Potential Moves
Insiders suggest that Busch’s dissatisfaction might prompt him to consider switching teams if RCR’s performance fails to improve. Speculation includes a potential move to Spire Motorsports, which reportedly would welcome the opportunity to sign him. NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass commented on Busch’s uncertain future:
“I think Spire would like to have him and see what they could do with him. It’s, you know, sounds like he’s, you know, as they’ve all said, staying for next year, but I mean, you know, he can’t be happy. And, you know, if they continue to run the way they’ve been running, uh, he’ll want to leave.”
Bob Pockrass, NASCAR journalist
As of now, Busch remains under contract for next season, but the ongoing winless streak—which has now extended to 854 days, the longest dry stretch of his career—adds pressure on both driver and team to find solutions quickly.
Austin Dillon Calls on RCR to Support Busch’s Return to Victory Lane
Amid this turbulent period for the No. 8 car, Austin Dillon, RCR driver and grandson of team owner Richard Childress, has publicly expressed his support for Busch’s resurgence. Dillon acknowledges that the organization must step up to restore Busch’s winning ways. Speaking at the Charlotte Roval, he emphasized the importance of addressing Busch’s needs to maximize the team’s potential:
“I think the main focus for RCR is to get Kyle Busch, a two-time champion, back to the winner’s circle in any way possible. To make him happy and to make the rest of the organization happy, and to go fast because that’s what we want in the end. We all want to go fast and win races, and that’s where we think we should be. So, we’ve got to make the best hire for both, for whatever Kyle needs and RCR needs for from a competition standpoint to be competitive each and every weekend with the No. 3 [Dillon’s car] and the No. 8 [Busch].”
Austin Dillon, NASCAR driver
Dillon’s focus remains on achieving strong results for both himself and Busch, underlining the collective desire within RCR to reverse the downward trend.
Busch’s Career and Current Outlook
Kyle Busch’s career has been defined by remarkable accomplishments, including winning the NASCAR Cup Series championship twice. However, the current slump contrasts sharply with his earlier success, most notably when he won three times within his first 15 races with RCR. Now, Busch’s patience is wearing thin as the season winds down without significant improvements.
His competitive drive is still evident, but much depends on RCR’s ability to regroup, optimize crew operations, and provide Busch with the support he requires to regain his edge. The next few races may prove pivotal in deciding Busch’s future at RCR and whether the team can halt this protracted decline before it costs both performance and morale.
"The short answer is yes." @kylebusch on what's been holding the No. 8 team back this season. #NASCAR
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— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) October 4, 2025
