As the NASCAR Cup Series prepares to race at Kansas Speedway, hopes are high for Richard Childress Racing Kansas performance, but doubts linger due to Kyle Busch’s ongoing struggles. While Austin Dillon’s track record at Kansas boosts team expectations, Busch’s recent results cast a shadow over RCR’s ambitions for a standout showing.
RCR Aims for Redemption at a Favorable Kansas Venue
Richard Childress Racing has achieved notable success at Kansas Speedway in previous seasons, showcasing its ability to compete strongly at the 1.5-mile tri-oval. The team has produced respected results at the circuit, gaining victories and important finishes that place Kansas among its better-performing venues. As RCR readies itself for another contest at the track, optimism largely centers on Austin Dillon given his record at this facility.
Dillon’s season overall has been inconsistent, but his history at the Kansas circuit is a highlight. He stands out with six top-10 finishes at Kansas—the most he’s achieved at any 1.5-mile track on the NASCAR calendar. This record offers a source of optimism within the team that Dillon can deliver a strong result, especially as they seek to turn around the season’s fortunes.
Kyle Busch Faces Unusual Difficulties at RCR
In contrast to Dillon’s Kansas prowess, two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has been unable to claim victory in over two years. Despite having the most career wins among active drivers in the current Cup Series field, Busch has only managed eight top-10 finishes in 2025—a tally that is far below his usual standards. This marks his lowest in any Cup Series season, a stark deviation for the decorated driver.
The cause for concern goes beyond a few missed wins; Busch’s overall performance slump is notable for someone of his resume. With only seven top-five finishes in the last two years between Busch and RCR, questions have mounted about the factors impeding their competitive edge. As a result, while RCR has reason to look forward to Kansas, Busch’s form introduces a sense of uncertainty about the weekend’s outcome.
Kyle Busch Shares Insight Into Team Challenges
Amid speculation about the root of the struggles at RCR, Kyle Busch addressed efforts by the team to improve performance and adapt to this season’s difficulties. He acknowledged the extensive work happening behind the scenes to address their shortfalls:
“I can only speculate, but I’m sure there were plenty of meetings this week. I’m not there every day and I was actually traveling every day this week, so I didn’t have a whole lot of time to be at the race shop with anybody. So, [Mike] Verlander and Richard [Childress], I’m sure, had plenty of meetings with our engineering team and guys in order to try to go over a plan of like, okay, what can we do? Where are we at? What’s next? What have we improved on? What else can we improve on?”
Kyle Busch, Driver
“And where can we fill some of these gaps that we seem to be having when we go to these racetracks. So, it’s not one thing. Plethora of issues, and it’s not just RCR issues either. So, got to figure it out.”
Kyle Busch, Driver
Busch’s remarks highlight a sense of urgency and complexity in the team’s efforts to regain competitiveness. His comments suggest that the team, including figures like Mike Verlander and Richard Childress, are committed to diagnosing a wide array of issues—not all of which are unique to Richard Childress Racing.
Upcoming Changes and the Road Ahead
Aside from the current performance concerns, big changes loom for RCR as Kyle Busch’s crew chief, Randall Burnett, is set to leave for Trackhouse Racing in 2026, teaming up with Connor Zilisch. This departure could signify a transitional period for RCR, putting additional focus on establishing stability and momentum before Burnett exits his role.
As the Kansas race approaches, the varying fortunes of Austin Dillon and Kyle Busch tell a tale of two paths within the same team. While the venue’s history offers hope for a breakthrough, Busch’s ongoing challenges and the forthcoming reshuffling in the RCR camp create a dramatic backdrop. Kansas will prove crucial in determining whether Richard Childress Racing can balance past achievements with present adversity and set a new direction amid swirling questions about its Cup Series future.
