Kyle Busch retirement calls after Mexico City crash have reached a fever pitch after a disastrous wreck cut his race short at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez on June 15, 2025. Amid escalating dissatisfaction from fans and a mounting winless streak, Busch’s future in NASCAR is under intense scrutiny.
Winless Streak Intensifies Retirement Speculation
For months, whispers about Kyle Busch stepping away from the sport have grown louder. While speaking to reporters earlier in the season, Busch addressed the rumors head-on, dismissing any notion that age or recent results would force him out.
I’ve heard plenty of talk. So, no. I’m turning 40, Denny Hamlin’s out there, he’s turning 44 or 45 – and he’s winning races. So, 37 to about 43, you’re in your prime in NASCAR, actually. I am still right there, I still got plenty in the tank, I’m still ready to go,
he declared, underscoring his belief that he remains competitive. Busch also credited his current team for their efforts, stating Richard Childress Racing was
working to get our Chevrolets back up front.
His optimism, however, has buckled under pressure. Despite early season flashes with several top-10 finishes, Busch has struggled to return to victory lane. The turning point was his appearance at the Mexico City round of the NASCAR Cup Series, where boos from fans eclipsed any cheer.
Mexico City Crash Escalates Fan Frustration
The incident at the Viva Mexico 250 on June 15 proved catastrophic for Busch and many others. On a rain-slick track, Busch lost control just seven laps into the race, colliding with Justin Haley, then striking both Kyle Larson and AJ Allmendinger. His No. 8 Chevrolet sustained severe rear damage, as Busch admitted over the team radio,
It’s pretty well destroyed here, guys, everything in the rear,
before retiring from the event. Kyle Larson and Busch retreated to the garage, unable to rejoin the race, while other drivers including Haley, Briscoe, and Smith were also affected. The blame from Busch’s spotter Derek Kneeland, who vented with angry emojis on social media, reflected the frustration spreading throughout the team and its supporters.
Describing the accident, Busch did not shy away from responsibility.
I don’t know. I went to the brakes and just ice, so maybe it was a little bit too heavy of a brake spike. I just turned around backwards and spun out backwards, and hate it for all the guys that got involved. It’s just like I was just snapped on you. I mean, I was in trouble for a good you know second or two, and then I was like I’m gonna nail some people, so I better turn around backwards and at least try to soften the blow.
Busch’s admission matched the visual chaos, as fans’ outrage reached new heights inside the racetrack and online.
Fans Demand Change After Prolonged Losing Stretch
The chorus of disappointment extended far beyond Mexico City. Social media erupted with demands for Busch’s retirement, fuelled by a winless streak stretching to nearly 70 races, dating back to Gateway in 2023. One disgruntled fan posted,
Good grief, Kyle Busch just hang it up, man.
The online reaction was not an overreaction to a single race, but rather the result of season-long struggles—Busch’s average finish in 2025 stands at roughly 16.7, with several promising runs spoiled by errors or misfortune.
The criticism was particularly harsh, dissecting driver error versus team issues. One social media user commented,
It’s time to admit, Kyle Busch is done. 75% of the mistakes made are on him, not the crew or the car.
Another fan’s words left little room for nuance,
Well you ruined a lot of people’s day you washed up shit for brains.
Additional comments pointed squarely at Busch’s inability to adapt to the Next Gen car era, with one stating,
You can ALWAYS rely on Kyle Busch to take himself out in this next gen car.
After losing his previous streak of at least one race win per season in 2024, Busch’s decline has been stark. Since his three victories with the No. 8 team in 2023, he has been mired in mediocrity, unable to compete consistently for wins.
Richard Childress Racing Shows Faith as Pressure Mounts
Despite the uproar, Richard Childress Racing recently reaffirmed their commitment to Busch by extending his contract through 2026. Team owner Richard Childress expressed confidence, stating,
Kyle is a tremendous racer and ambassador of the sport for our fans and partners. Everyone at RCR is committed to putting the pieces in place to enhance the competition side of our business.
The organization sees potential for resurgence, despite the turbulent period.
Busch himself maintains that his time with RCR is far from finished, doubling down on a vision for future success alongside the team.
I feel like my family, and I have found a home at RCR, and it means a lot that Richard continues to put his trust into me. My chapter at RCR is not yet complete, and I know we are building something special here. I remain focused on adding more wins and a championship to our collective resumes,
Busch said. However, his words have struggled to reassure a restless fanbase as high-profile errors continue to pile up.
Pivotal Moment for a NASCAR Star Under Scrutiny
Kyle Busch is synonymous with NASCAR success after a storied career, but the current turbulence puts him at a crossroads. The Mexico City crash, which involved top drivers like Kyle Larson and AJ Allmendinger as collateral, has become a symbol of frustration both for the Rowdy fan base and critics alike. With playoff contention now threatened by the DNF, pressure is mounting and the spotlight grows ever harsher.
To keep playoff hopes alive and rekindle trust from supporters, Busch must quickly correct course and avoid further mistakes. The points battle remains intense, and with the team and sponsors still counting on him, any additional missteps could prove costly not just for this season, but for his future in the sport.
As more fans demand answers, the key question remains: can Kyle Busch rediscover his winning form, or are the calls for retirement after his Mexico City crash the beginning of the end for this NASCAR veteran?
