Kyle Busch has openly criticized NASCAR’s controversial new All-Star Race rules, voicing strong frustration just days before the race at North Wilkesboro. Busch, coming off a difficult performance at Kansas Speedway where he spun out and collided with multiple competitors, turned his focus to the upcoming event, specifically the promoter’s caution policy that has stirred debate across the sport. The rule allows Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith to throw a caution flag at any moment before Lap 220, regardless of track incidents, raising questions about fairness and sporting integrity.
Speaking out on the Door Bumper Clear podcast, Kyle Busch did not hide his skepticism. “What are we doing?” Busch questioned, directing his anger at the showmanship element being injected into the race. He added,
“If we’re Bailey and Barnum [the circus], then let’s just freaking call it Bailey and Barnum. I mean, they went out of business.”
The driver’s remarks reflected a deeper unease among racers, as many wonder how this rule could alter the competitive landscape.
During his appearance on Actions Detrimental with Denny Hamlin, the two-time Cup Series champion escalated his criticism. Busch warned of potential chaos if the promoter’s caution is used tactically. He explained,
“If there’s a natural yellow between Lap 200 and 225, there will not be a promoter’s yellow. So at Lap 200, we all need to figure out who we’re going to run into. It’s going to be payback central. If I’m running 12th and I’ve got no shot to win and there’s a few select drivers in front of me, I am going to take care of Marcus’s yellow.”
Kyle Busch’s comments come as he reels from a disappointing 21st-place finish at Kansas, where his irritation was obvious as he labeled fellow drivers “clowns” over the radio. With tempers running high and scrutiny on race officials, Busch’s statements add fuel to an already intense atmosphere. The focus now is not only on whether the promoter’s caution will alter the race, but also on what actions frustrated drivers might take as a result, with Busch’s warning leaving fans and competitors uneasy about the possibility of orchestrated payback and major on-track drama.
