Kyle Busch endured a major disappointment at Watkins Glen on Friday when mechanical problems forced him out of the NASCAR Truck Series race after only 13 laps, triggering an online wave of criticism toward Spire Motorsports and its equipment. The latest Kyle Busch Spire Motorsports setback underscores growing concerns about Busch’s recent form and the reliability of the trucks provided by his team this season.
Spire Motorsports Faces Intense Scrutiny After Busch’s Early Exit
Hoping to end his season with a win, Kyle Busch entered Watkins Glen seeking a return to Victory Lane in NASCAR’s third tier. The 40-year-old previously snagged two Truck Series wins with Spire Motorsports last season, making Friday’s race not only his final chance to win in 2025-26 but also the last event in his five-race agreement for this year.
However, 2025-26 has brought little luck to the two-time Cup Series champion. Despite entering several Truck Series events, Busch failed to crack the top five in any race, with his best effort—a ninth-place finish—coming at North Wilkesboro in May. Amid rising frustrations, Watkins Glen proved to be another low point, as he lined up 11th but had to retire early due to a steering box malfunction. Finishing 36th, Busch lost his shot at a meaningful result with Spire this season.
The reaction was swift and heated on social media. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series posted a video on X of Busch heading to the garage, noting,
“Kyle Busch is headed behind the wall after mechanical issues with the No. 07 truck.”
—NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Fans directed much of their anger at Spire Motorsports, questioning the team’s equipment quality and reliability. One frustrated viewer declared,
“These Spire trucks are another reason why his career is ruined.”
—Fan
Others joined the criticism with biting comments aimed at the organization, including,
“Spire must’ve bought some old tim veins trucks or something,”
—Fan and poking fun at the seeming frequency of mechanical breakdowns.
The chorus of frustrated spectators has only intensified with each setback, signaling deepening concerns about the trajectory of Busch’s Truck Series return and further damaging the organization’s standing among NASCAR followers.
Busch’s Upcoming Cup Series Challenge: A Chance at Redemption?
Despite the challenges, Busch’s weekend at Watkins Glen is not over. He returns on Sunday driving the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing in the Go Bowling at The Glen, giving him a critical chance to address his critics and potentially end his struggles on road courses.
Busch has a strong history at Watkins Glen, capturing two Cup Series victories at the facility, but has not found victory at this track since 2013. In his last three Cup Series races here, he failed to finish better than 14th, with last year’s race ending in a tough 30th-place result.
These difficulties at The Glen are part of a longer trend: Busch has not won at a road course since taking first place at Sonoma in 2015. This decade-long drought on challenging tracks has left many wondering whether the seasoned driver can still compete at the highest level against intense competition.
Still, there are glimpses of hope. In the current season, aside from his run at Mexico City, Busch has finished no lower than 10th at every other road course he’s entered. This suggests that if things come together on Sunday, he could silence doubters and reassert himself as a contender in the series.
What This Means for Busch and Spire Motorsports
Kyle Busch’s latest setback with Spire Motorsports at Watkins Glen highlights not only the technical difficulties plaguing the organization, but also the mounting pressure on the driver to prove his relevance in NASCAR’s top levels. The frequent equipment failures have bruised both Busch’s reputation and Spire’s credibility in the fiercely competitive Truck Series and beyond.
As fans, critics, and the broader racing community await Sunday’s Cup Series event, the focus will be on whether Busch can overcome his road course struggles and deliver a performance that restores confidence. With past success at this track and recent improvements on similar layouts, the coming race at The Glen could mark a pivotal moment in his season—and a key test for Spire Motorsports’ standing in the sport.
