The Kyle Busch crew chief change is set for 2026, as Richard Childress Racing confirmed Busch’s continued presence but will part ways with crew chief Randall Burnett, who is heading to Trackhouse Racing. Burnett will join Trackhouse Racing as crew chief for up-and-coming driver Connor Zilisch, giving the rookie a seasoned leader as he moves to NASCAR’s main series.
Kyle Busch and Randall Burnett’s Time at Richard Childress Racing
Kyle Busch joined Richard Childress Racing after leaving Joe Gibbs Racing at the close of the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season, bringing high expectations for both the veteran driver and his new team. The partnership began with early successes, including three wins in the initial half of their inaugural season together, but momentum quickly faded as the year progressed.
Despite his status as a two-time Cup Series champion with 63 career wins, Busch experienced his longest winless streak during his tenure with RCR, remaining absent from Victory Lane since June 2023. Additionally, Busch missed out on the playoffs for a second consecutive year and is tracking toward his lowest points finish since becoming a full-time driver in NASCAR’s top division. These uncharacteristic difficulties mark a sharp contrast to his prior achievements, raising questions about the team’s competitive direction.
Randall Burnett’s Next Chapter at Trackhouse Racing
Although Richard Childress Racing has not released an official statement regarding Randall Burnett’s exit, Trackhouse Racing announced this week that Burnett will take on the role of crew chief for Connor Zilisch in the upcoming season. Zilisch, an emerging talent within the Trackhouse Racing development pipeline, is positioned to compete as a Cup Series rookie with Burnett guiding his entry into NASCAR’s highest level.
Currently, Zilisch is racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports on a part-time assignment, furthering his experience before making the full-time leap to the Cup Series in 2026. The leadership of Burnett, a Fenton, Missouri native with substantial experience in both the Cup and Xfinity series, is expected to play a pivotal role in Zilisch’s development.
Burnett’s Career Highlights and Impact
Randall Burnett has built an impressive résumé, overseeing 250 Cup Series races and 89 Xfinity Series starts from atop the pit box. His record features 12 victories as crew chief, evenly split between the Cup and Xfinity competitions. A noteworthy portion of his success was achieved alongside Tyler Reddick, accounting for nine of Burnett’s total wins before Reddick’s own departure from RCR opened the door for Busch to join the team.
The move to Trackhouse Racing presents Burnett with an opportunity to mentor Zilisch, who is currently leading the NASCAR Xfinity Series points standings and has quickly gained recognition as a rising star. The combination of Zilisch’s fresh perspective and Burnett’s wealth of experience could prove instrumental for the team’s results in 2026 and beyond.
“Stoked to welcome Randall to the team! Can’t wait for next year. https://t.co/zJdDlyIIEQ
— Connor Zilisch (@ConnorZilisch) September 23, 2025”
Connor Zilisch’s enthusiasm for Burnett’s arrival signals optimistic energy within the team, hinting at strong collaboration heading into the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead for Busch, Burnett, and Zilisch
The transition of Randall Burnett from Richard Childress Racing to Trackhouse Racing reflects shifting ambitions and a fresh strategic direction for both organizations. As Burnett takes on his new leadership role, all eyes will be on how Connor Zilisch adapts to the Cup Series and whether the pairing yields greater results than Burnett’s tenure alongside Kyle Busch and Tyler Reddick. For Busch, the 2026 season at RCR opens a new chapter with anticipated changes to team dynamics and tactics, as the search begins for a new crew chief. The NASCAR garage will undoubtedly watch these developments with keen interest, as they could signal broader shifts in the competitive landscape for both veteran drivers and rising stars.
Stoked to welcome Randall to the team! Can’t wait for next year. https://t.co/zJdDlyIIEQ
— Connor Zilisch (@ConnorZilisch) September 23, 2025
