Kyle Busch calls out RCR’s weak setup after facing struggles at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The No. 8 Chevrolet showed speed at times but struggled in traffic, leaving Busch frustrated. A run-in with Carson Hocevar added to his troubles, sparking an intense radio message. Despite some strong finishes earlier in 2025, Busch is still chasing a win. Is RCR holding him back, or can he turn things around before it’s too late?
Key Highlights
- Kyle Busch experienced performance issues due to RCR’s weak car setup at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
- Busch’s frustration was evident in a radio outburst following struggles during the AmBetter Health 400.
- The early race incident with Carson Hocevar compounded Busch’s dissatisfaction with the car’s performance.
- RCR’s recurring setup issues have negatively impacted both Busch and Austin Dillon throughout the 2024 season.
- Busch emphasized the need for team collaboration to improve car consistency and race-day strategies.
Kyle Busch Aims to End Winless Streak at Atlanta Motor Speedway
Anticipation buzzed around the Atlanta Motor Speedway as Kyle Busch, a seasoned driver with a fierce competitive streak, prepared to break his winless spell in the NASCAR Cup Series.
A sense of urgency surrounded the No. 8 Chevy, as fans and team members similarly hoped Atlanta would be the turning point. Busch, known affectionately as ‘Rowdy,’ had recently illustrated his skill by dominating the Truck Series at the same venue, enhancing expectations for a victory in the 2025 AmBetter Health 400.
The 1.5-mile oval was poised to witness the Nevada native’s skillful navigation, as he sought to reclaim his place atop the leaderboard.
His last victory dated back to June 4th, 2023, and the stress to end the drought was palpable.
Despite the race’s ultimate challenges, the excitement in the air was undeniable, with every lap promising the thrill of a possible comeback for the determined driver.
Kyle Busch Battles Early Setback and Struggles with Car Performance
The roar of engines echoed across the Atlanta Motor Speedway as Kyle Busch grappled with an early setback that threatened to derail his weekend ambitions.
Qualifying eighth for the 2025 AmBetter Health 400, Busch aimed to rebound from his Daytona disappointment. However, an incident with Carson Hocevar late in the initial stage caused him to lose positions, missing valuable stage points. This mishap set the tone for a challenging race, as Busch found himself battling not just competitors, but also his car’s performance.
Busch’s No. 8 Chevy showed promise when leading, yet struggled in traffic.
“I was fast when I could unleash it,” Busch explained, but noted difficulties maintaining speed in the pack. He highlighted issues with the car’s handling, particularly in making tight turns.
“I was fast when I could open it up and run when I was out front and leading and even second in line but third in line, I was having trouble with it in traffic. I was kind of slowing up the lane and guys weren’t patient enough to deal with it. You know, they wanted to go by which I get. We got to work on the handle a little bit more and try to get the car to turn a corner a little bit sooner so I can stay in the gas.” – Kyle Busch
Despite these struggles, Busch remained resolute, determined to refine the setup and release the car’s true potential in future races.
Recurring Issues at Richard Childress Racing
Despite the high hopes surrounding Kyle Busch’s partnership with Richard Childress Racing, recurring performance issues have consistently clouded their progress.
The 2024 season saw both Busch and teammate Austin Dillon struggling to extract speed from their Chevrolets, leading to a string of disappointing performances. While a mid-season surge at Daytona and Darlington offered a glimpse of hope with two runner-up finishes, the momentum quickly dissipated as the postseason commenced.
This inconsistency has left Busch winless, a situation that weighs heavily on a driver of his caliber. Atlanta Motor Speedway offered a silver lining with a seventh-place finish, yet the general performance remains a concern.
With Busch in the final year of his contract, the strain to deliver results is mounting. As the season unfolds, Busch aims to break his winless streak and secure his future in the NASCAR Cup Series, hoping RCR can resolve these persistent issues.
Kyle Busch’s Heated Radio Message and His Take on Carson Hocevar’s Aggression
Kyle Busch’s radio outburst during the race was a vivid reminder that, even with age, some fiery traits remain. Known as ‘Rowdy,’ Busch’s intensity flared when Carson Hocevar’s aggressive action forced him to lift, costing him valuable positions. On the team radio, Busch didn’t mince words, exclaiming, “He’s a f–—- d–——, I’m going to wreck his a–.” However, his post-race demeanor exhibited a more tempered veteran, analyzing the situation with clarity and restraint.
“He just had a lot of, lot of, lot of close calls. I mean, he wasn’t even clear on me, I had to lift and he put me in the fence off of two in the first stage. So, he’s just trying to plug holes and doing it last second and last minute, and creating log jams on back. It’s just, do it at the end, you know, do it in the last 30 laps, not in the first 230.” – Kyle Busch
#NASCAR … Kyle Busch on his race tonight … pic.twitter.com/GyY3WyrfQu
— Dustin Long (@dustinlong) February 24, 2025
Busch critiqued Hocevar for his premature aggression, advising that such moves are best saved for race finales. His words highlighted a seasoned racer’s wisdom, balancing competitive spirit with tactical insights.
Can Kyle Busch Turn His Season Around?
How can a season that starts on shaky ground be turned into a victorious comeback? For Kyle Busch, the answer might lie in a combination of tactical finesse and a touch of good fortune. Despite a rocky start, he has shown flashes of brilliance on the track, suggesting potential for a turnaround.
To achieve this, Busch might consider focusing on the following:
- Improved Pit Strategies: Fine-tuning pit stops could improve his race-day performance.
- Consistent Car Setup: Collaborating with his team to guarantee ideal car configurations can make a difference.
- Adaptability: Embracing adaptive strategies in response to unpredictable race dynamics is essential.
While statistics show a slower start than last year, context is key. Busch’s talent remains undeniable, and with the right mix of skill and luck, he could indeed transform his 2025 season into a winning campaign.
News in Brief: Kyle Busch Calls Out RCR’s Weak Setup
Kyle Busch’s frustration with Richard Childress Racing’s setup at Atlanta is palpable, leaving him enthusiastic to break his winless streak. Despite battling early setbacks and aggressive moves from Carson Hocevar, Busch remains determined to turn his season around.
His heated radio messages reveal a driver hungry for victory, yet wary of recurring issues with his team’s performance. Can he channel this tension into success, or will these challenges continue to hinder his quest for achievement? Only time will tell.
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