Kyle Busch’s NASCAR struggles continue to cast a shadow over his racing career, as the veteran driver remains winless in 88 consecutive races. This persistent difficulty was again highlighted during the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona, where Busch’s performance failed to meet expectations. Despite his proven record as a two-time Cup Series champion and 63-time race winner, Busch has struggled to regain his competitive edge, much to the frustration of fans and his team.
At the Phoenix race, Busch started in 29th place and was unable to break into the top ten. His efforts were further hindered when he collided with the outside wall and suffered a tire failure late in the race, issues that reflected the challenges plaguing his season. Busch ultimately finished 19th, the same result he had earned at Kansas Speedway a year earlier amid similar disappointments.
Mounting Frustration Among Fans and Crew
Kyle Busch’s difficulties have bred growing tension not only among fans but also throughout his racing crew. Throughout the 2025 season, the driver managed only eight top ten finishes and two top fives, falling short of qualifying for the playoffs for the second consecutive year. The accumulation of setbacks sparked visible frustration within Busch’s team, culminating in a blunt remark from his spotter, Derek Kneeland.
With just 15 laps remaining at the Phoenix race, Busch’s tire blew apart as he entered pit road, compounding his already poor track position. In a moment of exasperation, Kneeland declared,
“If we finish 35th today im jumping off the fucking spotter stand”
– Derek Kneeland, @KyleBusch’s spotter. Although Busch avoided that outcome by finishing 19th, the statement revealed the depth of dismay felt by those closest to the driver.
The spotter’s voice, typically reserved for calm guidance over the radio, instead conveyed raw frustration, marking a notable breaking point in an otherwise subdued season for Kyle Busch and the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) No. 8 team.
Historical Context and Continuing Decline
For a driver once celebrated for his aggressive style and racing prowess, Busch’s current form represents a striking reversal. His skill had been evident when he won twice at Kansas Speedway, once in 2016 and again in 2021. However, the last year has seen him mired in poor results and bad luck, including a spin out while leading at Kansas that prevented him from ending a 50-race winless streak.
His qualifying pace also underscores the ongoing decline, with a lap time placing him 29th on the starting grid at Phoenix. This pace contrasts sharply with the dominance Kyle Busch demonstrated earlier in his career and reveals how far his performance has slipped amid persistent struggles.
Fan Reactions Offer Humor and Criticism Amid Disappointment
The respiratory of frustration has spilled over into the fanbase, which has responded with a mix of humor and serious concern. Following Derek Kneeland’s candid comment, fans took to social media to make light of the situation. One quipped,
“Well they finished 19th, so he can take the elevator!”
Other supporters reflected on the challenges faced by the No. 8 team and urged for change, stating,
“so everyone has had enough… You would think this would be enough to idk, do something different?”
Questions also arose regarding the team’s management and strategic decisions, with some fans directing criticism toward Randall Burnett, the crew chief known for his previous successes with Tyler Reddick. One concerned fan remarked,
“Really hope Kyle’s lack of speed is due to RCR being bad as opposed to Burnett. Because, if it is because of Burnett, then I’m definitely not going to be optimistic about Zilisch’s speed next year.”
Amid the debate, speculation continued about whether Busch might have fared better with other teams. Comparisons to AJ Allmendinger’s performance at Kaulig Racing stirred hopes that a different environment could have reignited Busch’s competitiveness, as one fan mused,
“My intrusive thought is maybe KFB would have been better off going to Kaulig. AJ has been regularly outrunning both RCR cars for most of the year. I don’t actually believe this but I really want to.”
Others expressed outright disappointment over Busch’s move from Joe Gibbs Racing to Richard Childress Racing, which has yet to produce the results many anticipated. A frustrated fan shared,
“I knew the move to RCR was gonna be a downgrade…but holy f— this is depressing.”
The Road Ahead for Kyle Busch and His Team
The ongoing struggles of Kyle Busch underscore the challenges faced by even the most accomplished drivers when form and fortune fade. While the driver remains beloved by many, his prolonged winless streak and recent performances threaten to erode confidence among fans and within his team. Richard Childress Racing has attempted various adjustments, from crew changes to new sponsorships, aiming to revive Busch’s fortunes, yet a breakthrough remains elusive.
As this chapter of Busch’s career unfolds, the NASCAR community watches closely, hoping that the driver known as “Rowdy” can recapture the speed and success that once defined him. The next season will likely prove crucial in determining whether Busch can reverse his fortunes or if further changes are necessary to restore competitiveness to the No. 8 team.
For now, the reminder of challenges faced by one of NASCAR’s most prolific winners serves as a sobering narrative about the sport’s unforgiving nature and the pressure inherent in maintaining elite performance.
“If we finish 35th today im jumping off the fucking spotter stand” – Derek Kneeland, @KyleBusch’s spotter (via u/BucketOCheerios) https://t.co/bIgPrHDiQR https://t.co/Hgp1jfpiKA #NASCAR
— r/NASCAR on Reddit (@NASCARonReddit) September 29, 2025
