Kyle Busch picks underrated NASCAR drivers, highlighting Chris Buescher and AJ Allmendinger as the most overlooked talents in today’s racing scene. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, known for his competitive edge and deep understanding of the sport, shared his views in a recent interview, giving fans and pundits a new perspective on driver performance and recognition in the series.
Kyle Busch Reflects on Past and Present Choices for Underrated Drivers
With an impressive racing record that places him as the winningest active Cup driver—and ninth all-time with 63 victories—Kyle Busch brings credibility to his selections. As a prominent figure at Richard Childress Racing, Busch has consistently competed at the highest level, appearing in the Championship 4 from 2015 to 2019 and capturing two Cup Series titles during that span.
His expertise led him to participate in Jeff Gluck’s well-known “12 Questions” series for The Athletic, where he was asked to consider which driver flies under the radar in NASCAR. When posed this question during his 2011 appearance, Busch identified Matt Kenseth as his top choice for underrated talent back then. In 2025, however, Busch’s opinion has evolved to spotlight two veterans rather than one.
Busch Reveals Chris Buescher and AJ Allmendinger as Top Underappreciated Drivers
During the interview, Busch stated,
There’s two. I would probably say Chris Buescher is one of them. And then I’d also go with AJ Allmendinger,
—Kyle Busch, Driver. He added more about what makes Allmendinger stand out, saying,
I think AJ is really, really good. Being (alliance) teammates with the Kaulig guys and stuff like that, and knowing where he’s at and what he’s doing and how he’s driving with similar stuff as us — I think he’s getting a lot out of his cars.
—Kyle Busch, Driver.
Currently, Chris Buescher and AJ Allmendinger hold the 11th and 18th spots, respectively, in the NASCAR standings. Buescher, known for capturing championships in both the ARCA Racing Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series, has several Cup Series wins to his name, including a notable victory at Watkins Glen in September 2024. Allmendinger, another highly accomplished driver, boasts two Xfinity Series championships and has notched up Cup Series wins as well, though his last triumph came in 2021 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The Recognition of Unseen NASCAR Talent
Busch’s choices reflect his regard for consistency and resilience among veteran competitors, challenging assumptions about who truly drives the sport’s success. By emphasizing Chris Buescher’s and AJ Allmendinger’s contributions, Busch urges fans, teams, and analysts to look beyond headline victories and see the full scope of skill present in every race. As the Cup Series progresses, attention may increasingly focus on these underappreciated stars, potentially altering the narrative around what it means to stand out in the fiercely competitive world of NASCAR.
