Kyle Busch has shared that he feels a greater sense of appreciation and respect at Richard Childress Racing, even though the results on track have not matched the dominance of his days at Joe Gibbs Racing. This change in environment has highlighted Busch’s adaptability and revealed how the NASCAR community perceives him at this stage of his career, placing the focus keyword Kyle Busch respect at Richard Childress Racing squarely in the spotlight.
After his move to Richard Childress Racing in 2023, Busch has noticed a marked shift in how he is viewed within NASCAR circles. Having spent many years at Joe Gibbs Racing—where he captured two Cup Series titles and notched 56 wins—Busch experienced an unyielding level of expectation. Winning was not just a goal, but a demand from team principals and fans alike.
He described the sudden change in perception after swapping teams:
“It just automatically flipped because I changed teams,”
Kyle Busch said. —Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver
At Richard Childress Racing, the competitive pressure is less pronounced, as the team has not consistently run at the front of the pack. Busch highlighted the difference between the relentless pursuit of wins at JGR and the more incremental progress at RCR:
“Now I’m in a different spot, and let’s call a spade a spade — we’re less competitive and not up front as much. So you’re just going with the flow and trying to work on things and make things better. And I guess for some reason, people respect that more,”
he added. —Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver
While at Joe Gibbs Racing, the focus was sharply fixed on producing victories every week. Busch recalled,
“At Gibbs, you’re expected to win — like, if you’re not winning, then what are you doing?”
—Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver
The intensity at Joe Gibbs Racing occasionally led to public outbursts, especially in the aftermath of near-misses or disappointing finishes. This emotional side contributed heavily to his reputation as the so-called “black hat” of NASCAR, a figure many saw as the sport’s villain because he never shied away from displaying frustration.
The cultural shift at RCR allowed Busch to redefine his image. With a mid-tier team and adjusted expectations, his willingness to persist and push for improvement—even with fewer trophies—has drawn praise. Observers and fans have become more vocal in recognizing his dedication and perseverance, as he continues to mentor teammates and drive positive change in the garage.
Busch’s recent statistics illustrate the uphill battle he faces this season. He stands 15th in the drivers‘ standings with 501 points and has not yet tasted victory in 2025. From 23 races, his resume includes just two top-five finishes and seven top-10 results, cementing this period as one of his most challenging since stepping into the NASCAR Cup Series. Despite these hurdles, the shift in sentiment from NASCAR followers remains palpable.
Busch’s Sights Set on the Playoffs as the Season Winds Down
With only three events left in the 2025 Cup Series regular season, Kyle Busch is determined to secure a playoff berth. He remains upbeat about his chances, referencing positive outcomes at the upcoming venues, all tracks where his record is strong.
The next stop is Watkins Glen International, a circuit Busch refers to as his favorite. He claimed victory there twice, once in 2008 and again five years later, both with Joe Gibbs Racing. Richmond Raceway follows, a place that has seen him stand atop the podium six times. The regular season closes at Daytona International Speedway—while victories there have been rare, Busch remains confident in the current speed of his No. 8 RCR Chevrolet.
“I’ve won at all those places, so let’s go do it again.”
—Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver
He added,
“Watkins Glen is probably my favorite road course. Richmond is statistically one of my best racetracks. Daytona has been one of our best racetracks since I’ve been at RCR with Team Chevrolet,”
he added. —Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver
If Busch manages to capture a win at any of these locations, it would break his winless streak extending back to June 2023, when he celebrated victory at the Enjoy Illinois 300. That remains his sole Cup Series triumph since joining RCR. Missing last year’s NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs—ending a run of 19 consecutive appearances—has only fueled his hunger to return to Victory Lane before the season is out.
Observers, fellow drivers, and NASCAR insiders are closely monitoring how Busch adapts and leads his team through this challenging period. The next races, at Watkins Glen, Richmond, and Daytona, represent not just opportunities for redemption, but a real chance to further reshape his narrative. As the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs approach, Kyle Busch’s journey serves as a testament to the shifting values of respect, resilience, and reinvention in motorsports.
