Kyle Busch has often highlighted Jason Ratcliff as his favorite crew chief, emphasizing their strong mutual respect and Ratcliff’s technical skills as key reasons for their successful partnership. Throughout his career, Busch has worked with several crew chiefs, but his connection with Ratcliff, especially during their time in the Xfinity Series, stands out.
The Early Career Success Between Busch and Ratcliff
Before Kyle Busch made headlines in the NASCAR Cup Series, he established a remarkable record in the Xfinity Series with Jason Ratcliff as his crew chief. In 2009, Busch drove the full Xfinity schedule in the No. 18 car managed by Ratcliff, where they secured nine wins and dominated much of the season. Their collaboration that year culminated in winning the championship, setting a strong foundation for both of their careers.
The partnership only strengthened in the following season. In 2010, Busch and Ratcliff shattered a long-standing NASCAR record by winning 13 races, an achievement that raised the bar in the series. Their dominance during this period marked them as a formidable duo, admired for their combined expertise and teamwork.
“I love Jason,” Kyle Busch told NASCAR.com.
“I think the thing with Jason was the mutual respect for one another. I got to work with him at JGR and could understand why this guy is as good as he is. He is one of my favorite crew chiefs that I’ve had over the years,” he added.
Busch’s Cup Series Journey Amid Crew Chief Changes
Kyle Busch’s journey in the NASCAR Cup Series has seen its share of ups and downs. Early in his career at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), Busch paired with Steve Addington, achieving a win rate of about 17 percent. Later, Adam Stevens became Busch’s crew chief, and the team enjoyed greater success, including two Cup championships.
Despite these achievements, Busch’s strongest personal connection remains with Ratcliff, who had been with JGR for four years before teaming up with Busch. Ratcliff’s background and deep understanding of Busch’s driving style played a significant role in their success together.
After spending many years with JGR, Busch left the team following the 2022 season. Since then, he has encountered challenges on the track and has struggled to secure Cup race wins, marking a difficult phase in his career.
Jason Ratcliff’s Career and Recent Return
Jason Ratcliff, a seasoned crew chief with 24 seasons and 72 NASCAR wins to his name, announced his retirement in 2023. Despite stepping away, Ratcliff returned to the sport after a crew chief change at Joe Gibbs Racing earlier this year. Currently, he serves as the crew chief for Taylor Gray’s No. 54 team in the Xfinity Series, guiding the rookie through his debut season.
Kyle Busch’s Crew Chief Situation Looking Ahead to 2026
Kyle Busch is approaching a new chapter in his NASCAR career, with a crew chief change expected for the 2026 season after a winless stretch that now extends to 87 races. This period marks the longest drought of his 21-year Cup career, as he missed the playoffs again this season following the end of his long streak of annual victories in 2024.
Currently driving the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing (RCR), Busch’s crew chief Randall Burnett will depart the team at the conclusion of the 2025 season to join Trackhouse Racing. Burnett is set to lead 19-year-old rookie Connor Zilisch’s team during his debut season. As of now, Richard Childress Racing has not revealed who will replace Burnett, leaving the future leadership of Busch’s crew chief role uncertain.
The Significance of the Busch-Ratcliff Partnership and What’s Next
The strong collaboration between Kyle Busch and Jason Ratcliff is often cited as an example of how mutual trust and technical expertise can drive success in NASCAR. Their record-breaking achievements in the Xfinity Series show the impact a solid driver-crew chief relationship can have on performance.
As Busch faces a challenging phase in his Cup career, marked by a lack of wins and upcoming crew chief changes, the motorsports community remains hopeful for his resurgence. How Busch adapts to new leadership and rebuilds his momentum will be pivotal in defining the next stage of his legacy in NASCAR.
