Kevin Harvick offered a pointed analysis of Kyle Busch’s ongoing struggles at Richard Childress Racing (RCR) following a turbulent NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway. During the FS1 broadcast on Sunday, Harvick and fellow former driver Clint Bowyer discussed whether Busch, known for his previous dominance, could adapt to and carry a Gen 7 car as effectively as he had with earlier models. Their debate highlighted the mounting pressure Busch faces and the critical adjustments required in the ever-evolving landscape of NASCAR.
The conversation began with Bowyer reflecting on Kyle Busch’s well-known ability to command races while driving for Xfinity and Truck Series teams.
That guy knew exactly what setup he was looking for and how that car was supposed to feel and could walk them right to victory lane through the seat of his pants,
Bowyer remarked, underscoring Busch’s hands-on expertise in past seasons. He pointed out that the extensive engineering in modern Cup cars has complicated drivers’ roles, and Busch’s signature adaptability is being put to a new test at RCR.
Kevin Harvick built on this context by stressing the importance of driver feedback and the evolving relationship between the driver, crew chief, and engineers.
I think the good driver still can carry a good car to a certain point,
Harvick emphasized. He explained that it is not simply about talent at the wheel, but also about guiding the direction of a car’s development:
It’s about the feedback, it’s about the direction, it’s about finding the next thing that moves the needle forward.
For Kyle Busch, Harvick’s analysis suggests that success now lies in tight collaboration with the technical team, not in isolated brilliance.
The Texas race itself was filled with tension for Busch. While running near the front with just 39 laps to go, he was swept up in a late-race wreck, but managed to return to competition and ultimately finished 20th. Bowyer recognized the uphill battle, noting,
They’re getting close. You don’t run up front like that… They’ll have their day.
Harvick agreed, pointing to the promising speed the team had shown, particularly in their pit stop executions and race strategy.
Despite positive developments, Kyle Busch’s results at RCR have yet to translate to wins. Busch has secured three top-10 finishes this season but remains winless since June 2023, intensifying scrutiny from fans and analysts alike. Still, Busch recently offered a note of optimism to Kevin Harvick, stating that performance is
much better than we were last year
and credited hard work by the RCR team, improved strategies, and technological advancements behind the scenes.
Harvick’s evaluation, grounded in first-hand expertise, clarifies the challenges and opportunities facing both Busch and RCR. As the season unfolds, the partnership’s ability to adapt and innovate may determine whether Kyle Busch can recapture his winning form or continue searching for a breakthrough in this new era of NASCAR competition.
