Kyle Busch’s career, once defined by relentless wins and unmatched consistency, is showing cracks as 2025 progresses. After breaking his 19-year win streak in 2024, the two-time Cup Series champion has yet to claim victory in over 60 races, raising questions about whether the Rowdy of old can still compete at the top level. While Busch flashes speed on road courses like COTA, Chicago, and Sonoma, his struggles at short and intermediate tracks have amplified scrutiny. Kevin Harvick is urging patience, arguing a fresh approach could reignite Busch’s dominance and protect his legacy from fading prematurely.
Key Highlights
Kyle Busch remains winless in 2025, extending a drought past 60 races.
Road course speed is present, but struggles continue at short and intermediate tracks.
Kevin Harvick suggests a crew chief or team change could rejuvenate Busch’s performance.
Rumors swirl around Randall Burnett leaving RCR for Trackhouse Racing’s Connor Zilisch in 2026.
Fan reactions are mixed, some fearing Busch’s legacy could fade without a reset.
Kevin Harvick Defends Busch Amid Struggles
On the latest episode of his Happy Hour podcast, Kevin Harvick addressed the growing concern over Busch’s performance.
“…we’ve all heard that Randall Burnett could possibly be leaving… rumored… to be Connor Zilisch’s crew chief… I think when you look at the performance of the 8 the last couple weeks, it probably reflects… something going on.” – Kevin Harvick
Harvick framed Busch’s current struggles as a temporary challenge rather than a permanent decline. He referenced his own career, including his bold 2013 exit from RCR to Stewart-Haas Racing, suggesting a shake-up might be just what Busch needs.
“And I think back to my time at RCR, the best thing I ever did was walk into Richard Childress’s office and tell him that I was leaving… We won races last year in that position.” – Kevin Harvick
The Crew Chief Rumors and Their Impact
Randall Burnett, Busch’s crew chief since 2023, has delivered three wins and playoff runs with the No. 8 team, but late-season struggles have fueled speculation about his departure. Rumors suggest Burnett may join Trackhouse Racing in 2026 to lead 19-year-old Connor Zilisch’s No. 99 team.
Fans on Reddit debated the implications.
“RIP Zilisch’s 2026 playoff hopes.” – Fan reaction
“I guess that means Swiderski is out and they’re rebooting the 99 team completely, unless he moves to one of the other cars.” – Fan reaction
“Not thrilled if true, but Randall isn’t to blame for the struggles of KB imo. May actually be a decent pairing.” – Fan reaction
The chatter underscores the pressure on Busch to perform while navigating potential team upheaval, leaving questions about whether a new crew chief or different team environment might reignite his career.
Fans Weigh In on Busch’s Future
Social media reflects anxiety about the trajectory of Busch’s career, with some fearing his legacy could fade without a bold reset.
“I wonder where Burnett would go. When he and Reddick were together, I thought he was a top 5 crew chief. For whatever reason, it hasn’t clicked with him and KFB. Probably best to try something different for both sides.” – Fan reaction
“He needs to leave RCR or he will be forever Ozymandias, Buried in the sand of time.” – Fan reaction
“Stress probably got to him. And for the love of God, please do not start a Rodney Childers chant.” – Fan reaction
Others point to potential internal hires like Brian Pattie or the dream option of Rodney Childers as possibilities to help restore Busch’s competitiveness.
RCR’s Challenges and Opportunities
RCR faces a critical moment in evaluating its No. 8 program. The potential Burnett departure would remove a cornerstone of their technical leadership, while Busch’s contract through 2026 ensures the team must act decisively to reverse the winless streak. Kevin Harvick emphasizes that a carefully timed shake-up, similar to his own 2013 transition, could allow Busch to reclaim his dominant form.
News in Brief: Kevin Harvick Defends Kyle Busch as Fans Demand Action
Kyle Busch remains winless in 2025, extending his streak past 60 races despite flashes of road course speed. Kevin Harvick defended Busch, suggesting a crew chief change or team move could reignite his performance. Rumors continue that Randall Burnett may leave RCR for Trackhouse Racing’s Connor Zilisch in 2026, creating speculation and fan debate about Busch’s future. Fans worry about Busch’s fading legacy while discussing internal and external options to restore competitiveness.
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