Kyle Busch’s ongoing struggles at Richard Childress Racing are drawing serious concern, especially from former NASCAR champion Kevin Harvick, who believes the star driver’s inability to secure wins is hurting the sport on multiple levels. As the No. 8 car endures a prolonged winless streak, Harvick’s candid remarks highlight why resolving these issues quickly is vital not just for Busch and RCR, but also for the broader NASCAR landscape. The topic “Kevin Harvick on Kyle Busch” underscores just how significant the situation has become for fans and industry insiders alike.
Kyle Busch’s Slump Raises Industry Alarms
When Kyle Busch joined Richard Childress Racing (RCR) in 2023 and managed to clinch three wins within the opening months, the NASCAR community anticipated a resurgence for both the veteran driver and the legendary team. However, optimism has faded as Busch and the RCR No. 8 team entered a prolonged period without victories, raising questions about the direction and performance of the entire operation.
In a recent episode of the Fox Sports Happy Hour podcast, former RCR driver and 2014 champion Kevin Harvick analyzed Busch’s predicament, particularly in light of the team’s rapidly changing dynamics. The situation intensified with the off-season announcement that Randall Burnett, crew chief for Busch, would be departing for Trackhouse Racing to guide Conor Zilisch’s 2026 rookie campaign. Harvick expressed his concern over what he calls the “worst phase” of Busch’s otherwise illustrious career.
“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. And look, as much as I’ve gone through moments where I hated Kyle Busch—hated him with a passion at times—that’s all come full circle. Now we can communicate, and we’ve got a good relationship.” Kevin Harvick said via Happy Hour podcast.
Harvick emphasized that seeing Busch struggle is a negative for the entire sport, lamenting that even his own past rivalries with Busch have given way to a sense of shared purpose. As two veterans who now share mutual respect, Harvick’s comments reflect growing unease throughout NASCAR about one of its winningest racers fading from relevance.
The Fallout from Burnett’s Departure
Harvick did not shy away from criticizing the way RCR and Busch are managing the impending departure of Randall Burnett. According to him, the evident performance drop in recent weeks signals that the team is not responding efficiently to a disruptive change, and the uncertainty surrounding the No. 8 group is growing more acute.
“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 added.
The CARS Tour co-owner was clear that he cannot envision Busch retiring with successive winless seasons. Such an outcome, he argues, doesn’t just tarnish Busch’s legacy but also harms the broader NASCAR brand and the fortunes of RCR. Harvick’s perspective comes from his own career: he too experienced a high-profile crew chief change, but with more preparation and better outcomes in his final year with Stewart-Haas Racing.
Harvick noted that RCR’s recent form shows the situation is far from under control, with the team now pressed to find an effective replacement for Burnett with little time left in a challenging season. This late-stage scramble, coupled with ongoing competition on-track, creates an environment where further setbacks seem inevitable.
Addressing RCR’s Struggles in Real Time
Further expanding on RCR’s difficulties, Harvick argued that not addressing turmoil promptly can lead to both short-term losses and long-term consequences. He observed that the recent poor results of the No. 8 car mirror the underlying issues, especially as morale and trust are eroded by uncertainty about the future.
“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. Usually when those things happen, they’re handled one of two ways—either badly or well.” Kevin Harvick said.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Harvick acknowledged that while competing during a crew chief’s exit is always tough, advance planning can partially offset the disruption. However, he starkly contrasted his time at Stewart-Haas Racing, where preemptive decisions helped maintain competitiveness, with the current state at RCR, where uncertainty reigns and winning appears out of reach for the rest of the season.
“… 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 added.
Now, with Burnett’s move confirmed for 2026 and minimal time to regroup, Busch and his team face an uphill battle merely to stay afloat in the standings, let alone challenge for race wins. The likelihood of ending the season winless looms large, compounding frustration within the camp and weakening their prospects of immediate recovery.
The Broader Impact on NASCAR and What Lies Ahead
As Kevin Harvick’s observations make clear, the stakes transcend individual disappointment for Kyle Busch or his immediate team, echoing deeper concerns about NASCAR’s current competitive balance and the reputations of its key figures. The absence of a perennial contender like Busch from Victory Lane not only impacts his personal brand but also the overall spectacle for fans, sponsors, and the NASCAR organization itself.
For now, the most realistic strategy for the No. 8 group involves focusing on damage control, securing the right crew chief for the coming seasons, and dedicating the off-season to revitalizing their performance. With additional pressure from a passionate fan base and scrutiny from figures like Harvick, the imperative for change and improvement will persist. NASCAR enthusiasts and stakeholders will be watching closely in the months ahead, hoping that both Kyle Busch and Richard Childress Racing find a way to halt their decline and resume their pursuit of victory.
