The shifting dynamics of NASCAR’s top teams reached a new level as a rising star secured a powerful ally while a former champion’s camp absorbed a major loss. Connor Zilisch’s rapid ascent and Randall Burnett’s strategic move from Richard Childress Racing to Trackhouse Racing set the stage for a transformative 2026 season. For Kyle Busch and RCR, the departure of their crew chief leaves pressing questions about leadership and competitiveness as the 2025 campaign winds down.
Key Highlights
- Connor Zilisch earns a full-time NASCAR Cup Series seat with Trackhouse Racing for 2026 after a dominant Xfinity season.
- Veteran crew chief Randall Burnett will leave Richard Childress Racing to guide Zilisch’s Cup debut.
- Kyle Busch and RCR face uncertainty after Burnett’s exit following a winless two-year stretch.
- Kevin Harvick and Mamba Smith note the wider impact of leadership changes on team performance.
- Trackhouse Racing and owner Justin Marks highlight Zilisch’s maturity and talent as reasons for the early promotion.
Burnett’s Exit Leaves RCR Searching
Kyle Busch and Randall Burnett combined for three wins, 15 top-5 finishes, and 27 top-10s in 72 races since 2023, including a playoff berth that year. But a prolonged winless streak and missed playoffs have dimmed expectations. Burnett’s decision to leave RCR after 2025 underscores a broader challenge for the team, which now must identify a new leader for the No. 8 Chevrolet. Burnett previously guided Tyler Reddick to four wins and also worked with Matt Tifft, Austin Dillon, Paul Menard, and Ben Kennedy in the Xfinity Series, making his loss a significant blow to RCR’s competitive edge.
“I think that when you look at the performance of the 8 the last couple weeks, it probably reflects that there’s something going on. Usually when those things happen, they’re handled one of two ways, either bad or good.” – Kevin Harvick
“I feel bad for the RCR campus. They seem to be a group that develops some talent, and then they get poached a lot, whether it’s the Tyler Reddick situation, or now maybe this one with Randall.”
“I feel bad because you see their steps being taken to be good, and then those people leave and they’re really good somewhere else. It’s like, ‘dang, you couldn’t have been doing less…’ I think Randall’s a very capable crew chief. It’s interesting how that flows with Kyle Busch and who would want to step up to that mantle for him.” – Mamba Smith
Trackhouse Bets Big on Zilisch
At just 19, Connor Zilisch has turned heads with nine wins in 26 Xfinity starts for JR Motorsports in 2025, triumphing at marquee venues such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Daytona. He also overcame a broken collarbone at Watkins Glen, showcasing toughness beyond his years. Trackhouse Racing confirmed Burnett’s hiring on X, posting,
“NEWS: Welcome to The House, Randall Burnett! He joins as @ConnorZilisch‘s crew chief for 2026.” – Trackhouse Racing
Zilisch echoed the excitement with a short message on the same platform:
“Stoked to welcome Randall to the team! Can’t wait for next year.” – Connor Zilisch
NEWS: Welcome to The House, Randall Burnett!
He joins as @ConnorZilisch's crew chief for 2026. pic.twitter.com/cbrVi9vcIs
— Trackhouse Racing (@TeamTrackhouse) September 23, 2025
Zilisch has already made three Cup starts, finishing as high as 11th at Atlanta, reinforcing Trackhouse’s belief in his readiness. Team owner Justin Marks cited Zilisch’s poise and ability to perform under pressure as key reasons for the bold promotion.
“With him being so young, we might as well just go for it, and we’ve got great commercial support behind it with WeatherTech and Redbull. We have a lot of people within the company that are really excited about it. He ran a few Cup races this year just to look at how he learns a Cup car and how he approaches a Cup car. Just became clear very quickly to us that this kid is a big part of our future, and we might as well just get started with it.” – Justin Marks
Connor Zilisch’s Journey and Future
Zilisch’s path to NASCAR stardom began with go-kart racing in Europe before funding issues forced him to abandon a Formula 1 dream. His resilience and skill eventually brought him to America’s stock car ranks, where he has thrived.
“I never thought I would make it anywhere in racing.” – Connor Zilisch
Marks added that Zilisch’s maturity and relentless work ethic set him apart.
“Watching him operate and watching the talent, it really became more and more evident every single week that we’ve got somebody here who’s very, very special. Mature beyond his years, hard worker, really kind of exemplifies everything that you want out of a Cup driver.” – Justin Marks
With Burnett guiding strategy, Trackhouse believes Zilisch can challenge veterans Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen as part of the team’s three-car lineup. The move strengthens Trackhouse’s future while leaving RCR scrambling to maintain stability for Busch, the sport’s winningest active driver.
News in Brief: Connor Zilisch’s 2026 Promotion Sparks Major Shakeup at RCR
Connor Zilisch’s promotion to a 2026 full-time Cup Series ride with Trackhouse Racing, paired with veteran crew chief Randall Burnett, reshapes NASCAR’s competitive landscape. Burnett’s departure from Richard Childress Racing leaves Kyle Busch without the strategist who guided him since 2023, while Zilisch’s Xfinity dominance and early Cup starts highlight his readiness. Kevin Harvick and Mamba Smith underscored the ripple effects of such leadership changes. Trackhouse owner Justin Marks expressed full confidence in Zilisch’s talent.
ALSO READ: Trackhouse Rising Star Connor Zilisch Linked to Supercars
