Kyle Busch will continue racing with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, but his longtime crew chief Randall Burnett will not remain alongside him. Burnett, a seasoned NASCAR Cup Series crew chief, has decided to depart from Busch’s No. 8 RCR team after a challenging stretch together, seeking new opportunities elsewhere. This decision highlights significant changes within the RCR organization as preparations for the upcoming season unfold.
Challenging Tenure for Burnett and Busch at RCR
The pairing of Busch and Burnett at RCR began with promise, following the announcement late in the 2022 season that Busch would join the team in 2023. Early success included three victories in the first half of their debut year. However, the momentum did not last, as the team has struggled in recent months.
Since June 2023, Busch has been unable to reach Victory Lane, enduring the longest losing streak in a highly accomplished Cup Series career. A two-time Cup champion and holder of 63 race wins, Busch has missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year and faces what could be his poorest points finish as a full-time driver in NASCAR’s premier division. Amidst these difficulties, Burnett has decided to pursue a new path for 2026, signaling uncertainty for the team’s future performance.
Randall Burnett Joins Trackhouse Racing to Lead Rookie Connor Zilisch
While RCR has not officially commented on Burnett’s upcoming departure, Trackhouse Racing publicly confirmed this week that Burnett will serve as crew chief for their Cup Series rookie, Connor Zilisch, starting next season. Zilisch, currently a Trackhouse development driver, spent 2025 racing part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports but will focus primarily on driving in the Cup Series for Trackhouse in 2026.
Burnett brings a wealth of experience to the new role. Hailing from Fenton, Missouri, he has overseen 250 Cup races and 89 races in the Xfinity Series as a crew chief. Over his career, he has amassed 12 total victories—divided evenly between the Cup and Xfinity levels—with nine wins alongside former RCR driver Tyler Reddick, whose exit after 2022 made room for Busch’s arrival.
A New Chapter for Burnett and the Emerging Talent of Connor Zilisch
The collaboration between Burnett and Zilisch represents a fresh opportunity for both, as the rookie driver leads the current NASCAR Xfinity Series standings and enters the Cup Series with high expectations. Burnett’s extensive experience will be vital in guiding Zilisch through the challenges of his rookie season.
“Stoked to welcome Randall to the team! Can’t wait for next year.” — Connor Zilisch, NASCAR Driver
The move raises questions about whether Burnett will achieve greater success at Trackhouse than he managed during his recent stints at RCR. As Zilisch advances into the premier series, the pairing’s progress will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, signaling a possible resurgence for both the crew chief and the rising driver.
Implications for Richard Childress Racing and Upcoming NASCAR Seasons
Burnett’s departure leaves a significant vacancy at RCR just as Busch faces a critical phase in his career. The team will need to identify a replacement capable of navigating the competitive NASCAR Cup Series landscape, particularly as Busch works to reverse his current slump. Meanwhile, Trackhouse Racing’s acquisition of Burnett suggests their ambition to strengthen their crew chief lineup and support Zilisch’s development at the highest level.
As the 2026 season approaches, these team changes reflect the ongoing shifts within NASCAR’s top tier, with notable impacts on driver performance, team dynamics, and championship prospects.
Stoked to welcome Randall to the team! Can’t wait for next year. https://t.co/zJdDlyIIEQ
— Connor Zilisch (@ConnorZilisch) September 23, 2025
