Kyle Busch has often emphasized his deep respect for his crew chiefs, highlighting the impact they have had on his racing accomplishments. Among these partnerships, the bond he shares with Jason Ratcliff stands out, as Busch has repeatedly acknowledged Ratcliff’s technical skill and the mutual admiration between them—key elements of his crew chief legacy.
Throughout his early Cup Series tenure with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), Busch quickly established himself as a force on the track, capturing 17 percent of his races in collaboration with crew chief Steve Addington. The chemistry with Addington was evident from the start, helping Busch secure significant wins during those formative years. As his career advanced, Adam Stevens entered the picture, forming a dynamic duo with Busch for the No. 18 Toyota team. This pairing went on to produce two Cup Series championships, further enriching Busch’s legacy with exceptional crew chiefs.
Record-Breaking Years with Jason Ratcliff in Xfinity Series
Before his major Cup successes, Busch was making waves in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he and Ratcliff truly began to build their shared reputation. During the 2009 season, Busch ran the full Xfinity schedule under Ratcliff’s guidance with the No. 18 team, forming a memorable partnership. Their combined efforts led to a championship in that first year, highlighted by nine victories and an impressive dominance in laps led.
The following year, 2010, saw Busch and Ratcliff surpass their previous achievements, as they chased and then reset a long-standing victory record by claiming 13 wins, underscoring Ratcliff’s pivotal role in Busch’s early success.
“I love Jason,” Kyle Busch told NASCAR.com.
Ratcliff brought experience and a steady hand, having spent four years at Joe Gibbs Racing before working with Busch. Their collaboration fostered not only results, but also lasting respect and appreciation.
“I think the thing with Jason was the mutual respect for one another. I got to work with him at JGR and could understand why this guy is as good as he is. He is one of my favorite crew chiefs that I’ve had over the years,” he added.
Now in his late fifties, Jason Ratcliff continues to shape young talent in the sport, serving as crew chief for Taylor Gray’s No. 54 Xfinity Series team. Although he announced retirement in 2023 after a remarkable 24-year career and 72 wins, a crew chief change brought him back to the garage at Joe Gibbs Racing earlier this year.
Kyle Busch Faces Uncertainty After Recent Winless Streak
Despite his previous triumphs, Busch has faced significant challenges since leaving Joe Gibbs Racing after the 2022 season. Competing with Richard Childress Racing in the No. 8 Chevrolet, Busch now finds himself in the midst of his longest-ever Cup Series winless stretch, a drought that has spanned 87 races and prompted considerable industry attention.
The veteran driver experienced the abrupt end of his 19-year streak of annual victories in 2024, and for the second consecutive year, he missed the Cup Series playoffs. As a result, speculation has intensified around his future and the crew chief changes in store for the next chapter of his career. Looking ahead, Busch is set to have a new crew chief for the 2026 Cup Series season, introducing another pivotal element to the ongoing discussion about his crew chief legacy.
Upcoming Changes in Crew Chief Role for 2026 Season
Kyle Busch’s current crew chief, Randall Burnett, will depart Richard Childress Racing at the conclusion of the 2025 season. Burnett is set to move to Trackhouse Racing, where he will assume the crew chief role for 19-year-old Connor Zilisch, who will embark on his debut season. Burnett’s move leaves a significant vacancy at RCR, and the team has not announced who will replace him as Busch’s crew chief for the 2026 season.
This period of uncertainty continues to fuel discussion about what lies ahead for Busch and the influence that a new crew chief might have on his prospects. The absence of a confirmed successor adds to the intensity surrounding the driver’s efforts to reclaim his winning form in a highly competitive environment.
The Lasting Impact of Crew Chiefs on NASCAR Careers
Throughout his distinguished career, Kyle Busch has relied on the wisdom, technical prowess, and strategic insight of multiple crew chiefs, including Jason Ratcliff, Steve Addington, Adam Stevens, and more recently, Randall Burnett. Each has shaped Busch’s results and contributed to his evolution as one of NASCAR’s prominent figures. Ratcliff’s lasting influence is evident, not only in Busch’s words but also in his continued commitment to the sport through mentoring emerging talents like Taylor Gray.
As the NASCAR landscape continues to evolve, the unresolved crew chief situation for Busch in 2026 underscores the crucial role these leaders play in a driver’s legacy. With new challenges ahead, the outcome of this next transition will be watched closely by fans and insiders, especially those with an interest in the Kyle Busch crew chief legacy.
