Amid significant changes within Richard Childress Racing, the departure of Randall Burnett as Kyle Busch’s NASCAR crew chief has raised concerns about performance and stability, according to Kevin Harvick. This Kyle Busch NASCAR crew chief change, announced Tuesday, comes as Burnett transitions to work with rising driver Connor Zilisch for Trackhouse in the 2025 Cup Series season.
Randall Burnett Departs No. 8 Team Amid Performance Concerns
Randall Burnett, who joined Richard Childress Racing (RCR) in 2017 and took over crew chief duties for the No. 8 Chevrolet piloted by Kyle Busch in 2023, will leave for Trackhouse to spearhead Connor Zilisch’s rookie NASCAR Cup Series campaign next year. Burnett’s history in the garage includes working closely with not only Busch but also with Tyler Reddick and A.J. Allmendinger, providing vital expertise to RCR. The announcement places RCR under pressure to swiftly replace him while maintaining the competitive edge of Busch’s team as the current season progresses.
Kevin Harvick, a former RCR driver and current commentator, discussed the timing and potential fallout of the crew chief move on his show, “Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour.” Having experienced similar transitions during his own career, Harvick questioned how effectively the situation had been managed and drew direct correlations between the leadership change and recent on-track struggles for the No. 8 team.
“I think when you look at the performance of the No. 8 the last couple of weeks, it probably reflects that there’s something going on,”
Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Champion and commentator.
Harvick noted that significant disruptions behind the scenes can influence a team’s morale, focus, and results, particularly when news of a key departure surfaces late in the season and isn’t handled proactively. Reflecting on his own past at RCR, Harvick recalled how honesty and open communication with team owner Richard Childress eventually earned mutual respect, despite difficult conversations.
Challenges Ahead for RCR in Transition Period
Handling the sudden departure of a crew chief presents unique challenges for any racing organization, as Harvick explained further:
“It’s not easy, it’s not fun to sit in that room and have that conversation, but it allows you to ask: How do we build something around this to keep the performance where it needs to be? And we still won races that last year. But with this situation coming up so late, think about the position it puts RCR in, having to find a crew chief and change the No. 8 car and the way that program is running. So, to me, it doesn’t feel like it’s been handled very well.”
— Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Champion and commentator.
The transition means RCR must urgently identify a suitable new crew chief to guide Busch, who remains one of NASCAR’s most accomplished yet polarizing drivers. Maintaining harmony within the team will be essential if RCR hopes to salvage Busch’s form and return him to Victory Lane before his full-time Cup Series career concludes. As Harvick observed, disruptions of this nature can be especially destabilizing for a high-profile team already facing intense scrutiny and expectations.
Impact on Kyle Busch’s Legacy and the NASCAR Community
The broader significance of the crew chief shake-up extends beyond immediate race results. Harvick emphasized Busch’s importance for the sport and lamented the idea of a champion’s career losing momentum due to off-track instability:
“We all want to see Kyle Busch win. I mean, it’s good for the sport. It’s Kyle freaking Busch, right? There’s nothing worse,”
Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Champion and commentator.
“But I just can’t imagine Kyle Busch going out like this. It’s bad for everything. It’s bad for the sport. It’s bad for him. It’s bad for everything that says ‘Kyle Busch.’ And I just—I hate to see where it’s at right now.”
— Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Champion and commentator.
Burnett’s exit is also notable for what it represents within the paddock: the ongoing churn of talent and the ever-shifting dynamics among crews and drivers. While Connor Zilisch takes his first steps toward earning his place in NASCAR Cup Series history, Busch—often referred to as a “wheelman” within the community—now faces uncertainty about returning to the winner’s circle, especially as he nears the twilight of his decorated career. Richard Childress, RCR, and the wider Chevrolet camp must now regroup with their new crew chief selection, looking to retain competitiveness and secure a strong finish for Busch.
With passionate figures like Kevin Harvick voicing concern, the effects of the Kyle Busch NASCAR crew chief change will be closely watched by fans, sponsors, and NASCAR insiders alike. As the Cup Series season continues, the spotlight intensifies on how Richard Childress Racing manages this pivotal transition—and whether Busch can reclaim his winning ways before retirement looms on the horizon.
