Kyle Busch, currently in the final year of his agreement with Richard Childress Racing, appears to be close to securing a new deal for 2026, as leadership at RCR signals a clear intent to keep him in their lineup. The anticipated Kyle Busch contract extension with Richard Childress Racing is expected to affirm the team’s trust in Busch’s abilities, especially after navigating a season filled with speculation regarding his future.
Signals Point Toward Busch’s Return to RCR
Entering the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, Busch faced substantial uncertainty as his contract with Richard Childress Racing neared its end. This week, Jordan Bianchi from The Athletic discussed Busch’s potential future with the team during the “Door Bumper Clear” podcast. After speaking with RCR team president Mike Verlander, Bianchi reported a noteworthy statement about Busch’s prospects in 2026.
I talked to the team president a week ago, Mike Verlander, and I asked him about Kyle Busch… is Kyle Busch likely to return in 2026? Mike told me, ‘I don’t see Kyle racing anywhere else.’ So, reading between the lines, it seems like Kyle is going to be returning there and that RCR is at least, at a minimum, going to pick up his option,” Bianchi said. “I think Kyle’s future with RCR is probably going to go beyond just another year and past 2026.
Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, initially joined RCR in 2023 following an impressive 15-year period at Joe Gibbs Racing. He quickly found success with his new team, winning three times in his first fifteen races. Since these victories, however, Busch has faced a lengthy winless drought, now spanning 69 races, and currently sits 17th in points despite occasional flashes of competitive speed this season.
How Busch’s Track Record Influences Contract Decisions
Busch’s racing journey since joining RCR has been marked by early promise followed by challenges on the track. While he found quick victory in the No. 8 Chevrolet, his performance has since been marred by a series of setbacks, mistakes, and misfortune at pivotal moments. Despite a determined effort and evident speed in several events, turning strong runs into winning finishes has proved elusive. These circumstances set the stage for ongoing questions about whether RCR would continue its relationship with the veteran driver or look for another direction in coming years.
Lack of Viable Alternatives for Busch as the Silly Season Stalls
Unlike previous years’ flurries of team changes, the 2025 NASCAR Silly Season is noticeably quiet, with the grid largely settled before the season begins. Stewart-Haas Racing’s closure in 2024 triggered significant moves, but few possibilities remain for drivers like Busch seeking new seats. According to Bianchi, the primary teams have already filled their openings for next year, which minimizes Busch’s options outside RCR—any move would be lateral, not an upgrade.
You look at Kansas, you look at Texas — Kyle’s been fast. He just doesn’t necessarily have the finishes to correspond with it. He has found a home there. They like him a lot. It’s a good fit, makes a lot of sense and again, if you don’t really have anywhere else where there’s a step up, where you’re at makes sense. He’s shown he can win there. If RCR can give him the cars, he should be able to deliver.
Bianchi observed that RCR race cars show competitive speed, not only for Busch but also for teammate Austin Dillon. Despite the absence of consistent results, confidence remains within the organization regarding Busch’s continued potential if reliable equipment is provided, reinforcing the appeal of a contract extension.
The Road Ahead: What a Contract Extension Means for RCR and Busch
The likely contract renewal signals Richard Childress Racing’s commitment to stability and experience, especially given Kyle Busch’s past performance and racing pedigree. By moving toward a longer-term partnership, RCR aims to harness Busch’s skillset for future success, keeping a seasoned champion at the core of its competitive strategy. If finalized, the Kyle Busch contract extension with Richard Childress Racing could set the stage for continued collaboration and potential race wins, reinforcing the team’s position in the NASCAR Cup Series landscape.
As the 2025 season approaches, all indications suggest that Busch’s presence at RCR will remain a fixture, providing both parties a foundation for renewed objectives and optimism in the ever-evolving world of stock car racing.
