Kyle Busch is facing a major change as his crew chief, Randall Burnett, will exit the #8 Richard Childress Racing team to join Trackhouse Racing with Connor Zilisch in 2026. This Kyle Busch crew chief switch comes after two challenging seasons that have hampered Busch’s playoff record and sparked questions about what lies ahead for one of NASCAR’s most prolific race winners.
Burnett’s departure represents a significant shift for both Busch and Richard Childress Racing (RCR), especially given the team’s recent lackluster results. As RCR decides on its next move, Burnett’s upcoming role with Trackhouse Racing may mark a new era for both organizations.
Recent Performance Highlights Impact of Crew Chief Change
The recent seasons have not been favorable for the Busch-Burnett pairing. After coming together with promise in 2023 and celebrating victories, including a win at World Wide Technology and two additional successes earlier that year, the duo’s momentum faded quickly. By 2024, Busch had not reached victory lane and, for the first time in his career, failed to make the playoffs. This downturn underscored frustration as the team struggled to recapture their prior chemistry and winning ways.
Busch, a Las Vegas native and 63-time Cup race winner, faced mounting pressure after back-to-back seasons missing the postseason. Although there are remaining opportunities for Busch to secure a win this year, the overall performance under Burnett did not meet expectations.
Richard Childress Racing Considers Its Next Steps
With Burnett stepping away, RCR has not officially commented on the crew chief vacancy for Busch’s #8 Chevrolet. The team might consider an internal promotion, with Andy Street—a current Xfinity Series crew chief for Austin Hill—rumored as a possible candidate. This choice presents both risk and opportunity as RCR evaluates its staff and strategy to return the #8 team to competitive form.
Busch is under contract with RCR through 2026 and has declared his intention to stay in the sport until his young son, Brexton, can race superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega. His focus remains on fostering competition and legacy, reinforcing his commitment to both his team and family’s future in NASCAR.
Randall Burnett’s Path to Trackhouse Racing
Randall Burnett brings a wealth of experience from various storied teams and relationships with both rising and established NASCAR stars. Originally from Fenton, Missouri, Burnett holds an engineering degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, laying a foundation for his technical and strategic racing insights.
His NASCAR journey began as an engineer at Chip Ganassi Racing, where he worked with 2014 Cup Series champion Kyle Larson. Burnett’s first stint as a crew chief in 2016 paired him with AJ Allmendinger at JTG Daugherty Racing. However, his most notable achievements came with Tyler Reddick at RCR’s Xfinity program, with a championship win in 2019 and further success when they advanced to the Cup Series—making playoff appearances and securing multiple wins in 2022, including races at Road America, Indianapolis, and Texas.
Following Reddick’s exit to 23XI Racing, Burnett moved to Busch’s pit box at RCR, but the push for consistent wins fell short. Looking ahead, Burnett’s move to Trackhouse positions him as a seasoned mentor to the young and dynamic Connor Zilisch.
Connor Zilisch: Rising Star Next to Burnett
At only 19 years old, Connor Zilisch stands out as one of NASCAR’s most anticipated new talents, already earning nine Xfinity Series wins during his rookie campaign. His entry to Trackhouse Racing comes as part of a larger lineup shuffle, with Zilisch taking over from Daniel Suárez and set to join current teammates Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen.
Zilisch’s growing resume includes Cup Series starts at premier venues such as Circuit of the Americas and Charlotte Motor Speedway. The addition of Burnett, who has thrived alongside both rising stars and veteran drivers, could accelerate Zilisch’s transition to the highest level of competition and bolster Trackhouse’s ambition for future championship runs.
Potential Outcomes for Teams and Drivers
With a legacy of guiding drivers like Tyler Reddick to championships and collaborating with veterans including Kyle Busch, Burnett’s expertise promises to have a considerable impact at Trackhouse Racing. For Zilisch, the support and experience from a veteran crew chief could provide the stability and knowledge needed to compete successfully against some of NASCAR’s best.
Meanwhile, RCR faces a critical decision in selecting the new crew chief for Busch. The team’s choice will influence not only Busch’s immediate prospects but also their ability to remain competitive in the evolving NASCAR field. As the Cup Series enters a period of significant lineup and staff changes, all eyes will remain on the effects of this high-profile Kyle Busch crew chief switch.
The coming seasons will reveal whether these shifts can reignite the winning spirit at RCR and help shape the future for both Busch and Zilisch, signaling a new chapter in NASCAR history.
