Kyle Busch’s NASCAR playoff chances hang in the balance as he approaches the final races of the regular season, searching for momentum after a significant winless spell. The Richard Childress Racing driver’s position in the standings is precarious, with time running short to secure a postseason berth.
Busch Fights to End Winless Drought and Regain Playoff Ground
Kyle Busch, reflecting on his career as a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, currently faces one of the longest winning droughts since joining Richard Childress Racing. Despite collecting three victories early in the 2023 season in the No. 8 Chevrolet, the Las Vegas native has not returned to victory lane since that initial burst, and he missed the playoffs last year. Sitting below the cutoff for the upcoming postseason, Busch shared that he still trails in points for the 2025 season, intensifying the need for a strong finish in the remaining races.
With six races left before NASCAR’s first playoff round at Darlington Raceway, Busch outlined the steep challenge ahead, breaking down the points deficit he faces. When asked how he could make up the gap, he stated:
“I think you can, if you’re smart, play it the right way, and keep yourself up front to get those stage points. In these races, yes you can do it. Now we go back to the ovals where it’s a little more evenly separated between the competition. There is a slight chance that somebody outside of the playoffs will win, and you have to start all over again.”
The threat of another unexpected winner further complicates his path, as a new face in victory lane could reset the standings for those fighting to make the postseason.
The Points Strategy Heading Into the Last Regular Season Races
Busch has pinpointed the target for each of the next six races ahead of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 finale at Daytona International Speedway. With a clear plan to bridge the points gap, he emphasized how crucial every race will be down the stretch:
“The task at hand right now is to knock off eight points per race. If you look at it, divide 40 points into six races. That’s going to be somewhere around the seven-to-eight-point range per race that you need to have in order to put yourself in the playoffs on points,” added Kyle Busch.
This strategic approach highlights the importance of maintaining consistency and securing stage points, especially as the Cup Series moves back onto traditional ovals after a stretch on road courses. The competition remains tight, making each race outcome impactful not only for Busch but for rivals on the playoff bubble.
Chasing Road Course Excellence Against Shane van Gisbergen
Following two eventful weekends on road courses in Chicago and Sonoma, Kyle Busch discussed the challenges of matching the talent of Shane van Gisbergen, who stunned the field with consecutive wins for Trackhouse Racing. Busch earned a top-five and a top-10 during this period, but admitted he still has much to learn when it comes to road racing at an elite level.
In a recent media interaction at Sonoma Raceway, Busch expressed both respect and humor in sizing up van Gisbergen’s abilities:
“I mean just the longevity of it all but we’ve also had others that have been here that have grown up just doing that as well so I don’t know. He’s just really, really good. He has the heel-toe method I know.”
“So, for me to try to figure that out it would be until my retirement before I’m even 10% as good as he is at it, so that’s out the window,” added Kyle Busch jokingly.
Although Busch continues to push for growth on road courses, he acknowledges the specialized skill set required to truly excel, while focusing on rescinding his points deficit on upcoming circuits more aligned to his strengths.
Upcoming Races Set the Stage for Playoff Drama
The fight for postseason qualification remains wide open as NASCAR returns to ovals, where performance is often more evenly distributed and surprises can still unfold. As the Cup Series approaches the 21st race of the season at Dover Motor Speedway on July 20, the urgency surrounding Kyle Busch and the entire Richard Childress Racing outfit intensifies, with each point crucial in deciding playoff fates.
The next few weeks will determine whether the 63-time Cup race winner can reclaim his position among NASCAR’s elite contenders or if an unprecedented winless run will extend into the postseason, further complicating his storied legacy. Fans and rivals alike are watching closely as “Kyle Busch NASCAR playoff chances” evolve with each lap and every pivotal finish.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where will Kyle Busch go in 2026?
A. CONCORD, N.C. — Kyle Busch has confirmed he will keep driving the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing until the end of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. This announcement was made on Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Q. Will Kyle Busch retire?
A. Kyle Busch has renewed his agreement with Richard Childress Racing until 2026 and mentioned that he isn’t considering retirement anytime soon.
