Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has identified Chris Buescher and AJ Allmendinger as the most underrated drivers in NASCAR at this moment. Busch, who races for Richard Childress Racing and holds 63 career victories—the highest among active drivers and ninth overall—shared his views during a recent interview with Jeff Gluck for The Athletic.
Busch’s Strong Track Record Adds Weight to His Observations
Having continuously competed at the highest level, Busch advanced to the Championship 4 every season between 2015 and 2019 and secured the Cup Series title twice in that span. His extensive success and experience make his opinions especially noteworthy among the NASCAR community. When revisiting a question from a 2011 interview in Gluck’s “12 Questions” series about the most underrated driver, Busch named a pair of current veterans instead of a single individual this time.
Why Chris Buescher and AJ Allmendinger Are Gaining Recognition
Busch explained,
“There’s two. I would probably say Chris Buescher is one of them. And then I’d also go with AJ Allmendinger.”
He went on to highlight Allmendinger’s performance, adding,
“I think AJ is really, really good. Being (alliance) teammates with the Kaulig guys and stuff like that, and knowing where he’s at and what he’s doing and how he’s driving with similar stuff as us — I think he’s getting a lot out of his cars.”
Currently, Buescher and Allmendinger rank 11th and 18th in the NASCAR standings, respectively, illustrating their strong presence despite limited broader recognition. Buescher is a former ARCA Racing Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series champion with multiple Cup Series wins, including a recent victory at Watkins Glen in September 2024. Allmendinger has two Xfinity titles and several Cup Series wins, although his last triumph dates back to 2021 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Implications of Busch’s Endorsement for These Drivers and NASCAR
Kyle Busch’s endorsement sheds light on the talents of Buescher and Allmendinger as drivers who may not always receive the attention their performances deserve. Their consistent efforts and competitive results highlight the depth of skill within NASCAR’s ranks beyond the most celebrated names. Recognizing these drivers can influence fan and sponsor perceptions, potentially opening opportunities for further success in future races and seasons.
