Kyle Busch on NASCAR schedule changes has generated discussion after the two-time Cup Series champion questioned the logic of keeping two races at his home track, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, while Richmond is set to lose a race date. Busch’s comments come as NASCAR prepares for adjustments to its Cup Series calendar, affecting several notable locations and events from 2026 onwards.
Kyle Busch Expresses Concerns About Las Vegas Hosting Two Races
Busch, who has been a staple in top-level NASCAR competition for more than twenty years, has voiced reservations about the current approach to scheduling. While Las Vegas Motor Speedway is close to his heart, he believes ticket sales should dictate how many races any given track receives. As he explained, drivers may appreciate particular venues, but ultimately, fan turnout in the grandstands takes precedence when determining the viability of multiple race dates.
“I have kind of said it for a few years that if you’re not packing the grandstands and selling out every single time, then you only need one date, you know?”
—Kyle Busch, two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion
Despite his connection to Las Vegas, Busch made it clear that the city doesn’t necessarily merit two races each season. He pointed out that other tracks could benefit more from an open spot on the calendar, providing those venues a better chance at maintaining their relevance and position in the series.
“As much as I love Vegas and Vegas is my hometown, I don’t think Vegas needs two dates. Definitely some other places that can utilize a date and have an opportunity to keep their places alive,”
Kyle Busch added. —Kyle Busch, two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion
Richmond Loses Date, Mexico City Gains Ground
Official reports confirm that Richmond Raceway will lose one of its valuable Cup Series dates in the spring of 2026, as the relatively new event in Mexico City becomes a fixture. This change marks a shift in NASCAR’s focus towards expanding internationally while rebalancing domestic race allocations.
So far, only select high-profile dates have been confirmed for 2026, including the 68th running of the Daytona 500 on February 15, the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24, and the season’s conclusion at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 8. NASCAR is also planning a street race in San Diego, further adding variety to the calendar, while Richmond Raceway prepares to host its final spring race in 2025 as the 25th event of the season.
Enduring Extreme Conditions Behind the Wheel
Kyle Busch also reflected on the physical challenges drivers can face, recalling a race in 2002 under severe heat. NASCAR cars are notorious for their intensely hot interiors, often reaching up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and while modern teams employ sophisticated cooling systems, things were more primitive two decades ago.
“It was Pensacola, Florida – I think we ran there in June or July, for some stupid reason. And it was 100 degrees outside with like 100 percent humidity. It was so, so hot.”
—Kyle Busch, two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion
Back then, cars featured aluminum block engines that exacerbated the cockpit heat, and grill openings were insufficient for proper airflow. Despite these obstacles, Busch managed to complete the race and finish inside the top ten.
“I made it. I made it to the finish. I think we ran top 10 somewhere. But that was the most miserable I’ve ever been in a car,”
he added. —Kyle Busch, two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion
Busch’s Challenge Heading Into the Playoffs
As the 2025 NASCAR season approaches its conclusion, Busch, now sitting 15th in the driver standings, finds himself still searching for his first win of the year. With only two opportunities remaining before the playoffs begin, his path to qualifying depends on securing a victory in one of the upcoming races.
NASCAR’s continuous evolution, with its shifting calendar and changing venues, keeps long-time competitors like Busch adapting while also voicing concerns about fairness and the sport’s priorities. The coming season will reveal whether these changes foster renewed energy among fans and drivers or generate further debate within the racing community.
