Parker Kligerman has come forward to challenge opinions about veteran NASCAR drivers losing their edge, specifically in light of ongoing Kyle Busch Cup Series struggles. With Busch’s future frequently questioned after lackluster performances, Kligerman’s comments urge fans and analysts to reevaluate assumptions about age and decline in stock car racing.
Kligerman Disputes Decline Narrative for Busch and Keselowski
During a recent appearance on the Rubbin Is Racing podcast, former NASCAR driver Parker Kligerman shared his views on the recent performance dips seen by Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski in the Cup Series. The podcast host drew comparisons between their current form and the later-career trajectories of legendary drivers like Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr., questioning whether Busch and Keselowski might be on a similar downward path. Busch, who drives for Richard Childress Racing, has not won a Cup Series race since 2023 and was notably absent from the playoffs for two straight years—a first in his storied career. Despite his efforts, his best results this season were two top-five finishes at the Circuit of the Americas and the Chicago Street Race.
Brad Keselowski, piloting for RFK Racing, has also faced a tough run, notching his last Cup Series win at the 2024 Darlington Race but missing the playoffs this season as well. He came closest to a win at Atlanta Motor Speedway, settling for a runner-up finish—his season highlight. The conversation shifted as the host asked Kligerman:
“Do you see them kind of fading off the way that we’ve seen Harvick and Truex anytime soon?” [01:02:59 onwards] —Host
Kligerman rebuffed this idea, making it clear that he sees the mid-to-late 30s as a prime period for racing talent. He named drivers like Denny Hamlin, Mark Martin, and Kevin Harvick as proof that age should not dictate expectations or predictions in NASCAR. Kligerman’s perspective highlights the importance of mental stamina, skill development, and racing experience, which often align best in a driver’s 30s.
“I say, like, age, you know, late 30s to me is still a young race car driver. Like, you can go—you can go in your 40s. Denny Hamlin’s proven that. Kevin Harvick proved that. Mark Martin has proved that. Many, many years before this, you know, we’ve gotten obsessed with age, and the analytics would tell you for the last 15 years is probably the wrong approach. Like your best cup drivers are in their 30s, right?” [01:03:12 onwards] —Parker Kligerman, former NASCAR Driver
“Like that’s just the forever-reason lifestyle, you know, mental experience, talent, skill—everything aligns in your 30s. So, I think it’s actually the premier time for a race car driver,” he added. —Parker Kligerman, former NASCAR Driver
Both Busch and Keselowski remain active contenders as they prepare for the upcoming Cook Out Southern 500, set to be run on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Darlington Raceway. The high-profile race will be broadcast nationally on USA, MRN, HBO Max, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90, with 367 laps to test the mettle of all drivers involved.
Harvick Points to NextGen Car Struggles as a Key Factor
Kevin Harvick, an established voice and former Cup Series champion, offered his own analysis regarding Kyle Busch’s recent issues, this time citing car mechanics rather than age. On the Happy Hour podcast, Harvick explained how the seventh-generation, or “NextGen,” cars—introduced in 2022—have presented ongoing challenges for Busch, diminishing his once-dominant presence on the track. Since making the switch to the #8 Chevy Camaro ZL1, Busch has claimed just four wins in the updated vehicles and hasn’t taken a checkered flag since 2023, resulting in playoff absences throughout 2024 and 2025.
“Every time that this eight car is in position, it’s a spin-out, a wreck, or something on pit road, or something happens that’s going on and just can’t finish the deal. And I think that for Kyle, he’s in a position where he knows he wants to win, and he knows everybody wants to win. He knows he needs to win. He knows in those positions where he can win, and then he pushes it over the edge. —Kevin Harvick, former Cup Series Champion
Harvick’s comments point to the unpredictability and adjustment difficulties brought by the NextGen cars, which have affected Busch’s ability to convert strong runs into victories. The mechanical shifts, rather than waning drive or aging abilities, appear central to Busch’s current Cup Series struggles.
Where Busch and Keselowski Stand Ahead of Darlington
Kyle Busch currently stands 20th in the Cup Series points tally, having accumulated 541 points across 26 starts this season. His record includes seven top-ten finishes and two appearances in the top five, but the absence of wins continues to fuel questions about his current form and ability to adapt to evolving race conditions. Brad Keselowski faces a similar dry spell, with only one runner-up finish highlighting a challenging season for the RFK driver.
As both seasoned competitors gear up for the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, attention will be focused on how each adapts to the ongoing demands of modern NASCAR and whether veteran experience can once again defy trends and lead them back to Victory Lane.
