Kyle Busch has recently found himself stuck in a slump, enduring a winless streak for more than a season and a half in the NASCAR Cup Series. His 21st season, which took place last year, marked the first time in 19 years that he failed to capture a single victory, a stark contrast to the consistency that once defined his remarkable career. Much of the blame has fallen on Richard Childress Racing, with criticisms directed toward the speed of the #8 car and the performance of its crew.
However, fans have begun to note a deeper trend, revealing that Busch’s struggles actually began in 2020, long before he joined RCR. When Busch came to Richard Childress Racing in 2023, he initially seemed to hit the ground running, achieving three wins during the regular season. Unfortunately, the second half of that year turned dry, and the shadows of past performances began creeping back.
It is important to understand that although the #8 car’s struggles are well-documented, Busch’s difficulties did not solely originate with his transition to RCR. During his tenure at Joe Gibbs Racing, he consistently finished inside the top five from 2015 to 2019, winning two championships. However, from 2020 through his final season with JGR in 2022, Busch managed only a single win each year, with his standings gradually slipping to P8, P9, and finally P13.
The tension within the NASCAR community escalated recently when RCR posted a tweet expressing disappointment over Jesse Love‘s disqualification after an apparent win at Rockingham Raceway. It didn’t take long for tempers to flare among fans. One frustrated individual responded sharply, “How about try and save Kyle Busch’s career, you jacka**es.” This outburst epitomizes the emotions swirling around Busch’s ongoing struggles.
Yet, many fans quickly came to RCR’s defense, shifting the blame. One pointedly remarked, “His career was over when he lost Adam Stevens, and then even more over when MnM’s left the sport. Yeah, he started strong with RCR, but it was too good for it to last; it’s over for him, and it’s only going to get worse until he gives up.” This perspective introduces the notion that Busch’s troubles are multifaceted, deeply rooted in choices made in his career.
Another fan attempted to provide a harsh dose of reality, stating, “One of these days, Kyle Busch fans are going to realize it isn’t the car.” Meanwhile, some reflected on past decisions, with one commenter suggesting that Busch should never have left JGR or toyota/”>Toyota, emphasizing he should have taken a pay cut to stay. Acknowledging the progression of time, another fan stated, “I really like Busch, but realistically he’s up there in age; while he might win a race or two a year, that’s about it. Hell, at this point, I think Kyle should become a mentor.”
Kyle Busch’s decline is not an isolated incident in NASCAR history. Even seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson experienced a rapid fall from grace after winning his seventh title in 2016, failing to contend for wins afterward. Richard Petty went winless in his final 241 Cup starts, and three-time champion Darrell Waltrip faced a drought of 251 consecutive races before retiring. Alluding to these narratives, it may very well be that time is beginning to take its toll on Busch’s performance, posing serious concerns for his future in the sport.
