Kyle Busch’s difficult 2025 NASCAR Cup Series campaign has put his future with Richard Childress Racing in the spotlight, as mounting performance issues prompt calls for a “Kyle Busch fresh start” across the motorsports community. Veteran driver Kevin Harvick and others close to the situation have emphasized that a change in environment could be exactly what Busch needs after a prolonged period of adversity and underperformance.
Kyle Busch and Richard Childress Racing Struggle to Find Consistency
This season has been turbulent for Kyle Busch, the No. 8 car, and the entire Richard Childress Racing team as they contend with setup challenges and erratic results on the Cup Series circuit. Busch’s latest disappointment came during the Kansas playoff event, where he finished 19th at the Hollywood Casino 400. This outcome was yet another indication of the ongoing fight to regain control over competitive pace, underlined by visible frustration within the team.
The pressure behind the scenes spilled over on race day, when spotter Derek Kneeland passionately conveyed the group’s desperation to lift spirits and keep pushing:
“I know you guys are trying your as—s off and I know we’re struggling but we’ve gotta try to keep him and everybody upbeat. We are not going home 35th tonight. If we do I’m gonna jump of this f—g spotter’s stand.”
— Derek Kneeland, Spotter. His statement summed up the prevailing sense among RCR crew members and hinted at the growing sentiment that something foundational must change for the driver and the organization to move forward.
Kevin Harvick Advocates for Change and Renewed Team Energy
On his “Happy Hour” podcast, Kevin Harvick discussed the state of Busch’s season and pointed to the value of a fresh start—both as a driver and for the broader RCR environment. Harvick referenced comments made by various team members and former colleagues, suggesting that new energy and surroundings can often reignite a driver’s motivation and performance.
“It was interesting to see his comments this weekend just about how everybody needed a fresh start. When he’s talking about himself and Kyle Busch,”
— Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Driver.
Adding to this, Randall Burnett, Busch’s former crew chief at RCR, spoke openly about the need for change. Burnett has moved on to a new team and reflected on the necessity for both personal and collective renewal, particularly after a series of lackluster performances.
“I’m excited about my opportunity over there, and you know, obviously, something’s got to change on this 8 car,”
Burnett remarked.
“We haven’t been performing the way we needed to. I think everybody needs a fresh start. I got a really good opportunity with where I’m going. Obviously, Connor’s a great young talent. I miss working with the younger guys. So, you know, just kind of all worked out.”
— Randall Burnett, Former Crew Chief.
Kyle Busch’s statistics underline the urgency of these calls for transformation. With 63 career NASCAR Cup Series wins and two championships, Busch remains one of the sport’s most talented drivers. However, his last victory dates to 2023, and he now finds himself 21st in the 2025 standings—a far cry from his storied peak. Top-10 finishes have been scarce, with a season-best result of 5th at Circuit of the Americas representing a rare bright spot.
RCR’s Internal Debate and Harvick’s Reflections on Team Dynamics
Tensions within Richard Childress Racing have attracted attention from both fans and insiders. Harvick, who once raced for RCR before embarking on his championship-winning chapter elsewhere, has been particularly candid in his assessment of Busch’s current crossroads.
“Kyle Busch had another miserable weekend. But I think he’s right. I think that Kyle needs a fresh start, too, with somebody else to just kind of reset. The way that I took Randall’s comments where it was just time for everybody to just start over in a new situation,”
— Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Driver. These remarks echo the feelings of many who see Busch’s recent struggles as an opportunity for significant evolution, not just for the driver but for Richard Childress Racing as a whole.
Team officials have acknowledged that improvement is necessary despite flashes of car potential. Throughout the NASCAR Cup Series season, the question has lingered whether adjustments—either internally or through personnel changes—can return the team to form. As one of the series’ few two-time champs, Busch’s continued downturn is particularly striking, making talks of a “Kyle Busch fresh start” all the more relevant.
On a broader level, Harvick’s voice carries weight in the NASCAR community. Earlier this week, he shared a sentiment that resonated among fans:
“We all want to see Kyle Busch win,”
— Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Driver. The camaraderie, coupled with Harvick’s past rivalry with Busch, highlights the deep respect that exists among top competitors and the universal desire to witness the sport’s leading figures rebound from setbacks.
Kevin Harvick’s Own Turning Point Illustrates the Power of a New Beginning
The situation surrounding Kyle Busch and RCR has drawn comparisons to Harvick’s own NASCAR story, proving that a change of scenery can be a catalyst for resurgence. Harvick’s ascent began under tragic circumstances, stepping into the No. 29 ride at RCR following Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s death in 2001. Rapid success defined his early years, with a win in just his third Cup Series start at Atlanta Motor Speedway, as he evolved into a consistent championship contender. His 13-year run at RCR resulted in 23 victories and a best points finish of 3rd.
Despite these individual accomplishments, Harvick’s tenure was often overshadowed by persistent internal challenges. Memorable incidents, such as his notorious clash with Ty Dillon at Martinsville in 2013, underscored the frustrations that can build during extended periods without championship breakthroughs. At the time of his departure, Harvick offered an honest reflection:
“Just like everybody else’s job, sometimes you need a change to get going again,”
— Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Driver (2013).
In 2014, a major career shift saw Harvick move to Stewart-Haas Racing. There, he found immediate synergy with crew chief Rodney Childers, a partnership forged on shared ambition and meticulous attention to competitive details. Harvick described the essence of this collaboration:
“The biggest difference with Rodney is he’s a guy who wants to win practice, qualify on the pole, lead every lap, run the fastest lap of the race and that’s what he expected as a driver,”
he once explained.
“A lot of times, you just don’t know how relationships are going to go. Sometimes, you hit it. Sometimes, you don’t. For us, he’s very low-key, but he’s very competitive.”
— Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Driver.
The results were immediate. Harvick and Childers propelled Stewart-Haas Racing to four Cup Series wins in 2014, ultimately capturing the championship at the Ford EcoBoost 400 in Homestead-Miami Speedway. This triumph validated the importance of team chemistry, strategic changes, and trust between driver and crew chief—elements that could hold a lesson for Busch’s current predicament.
The Broader Impact of Change in NASCAR
Through decades of experience, veterans like Kevin Harvick have repeatedly demonstrated how adapting to new circumstances can unlock untapped potential for drivers and race teams. Today, as Kyle Busch faces some of the toughest professional challenges of his career, the motorsport world watches closely to see whether a bold change or shift—whether it’s a new crew chief, team, or fresh strategy—might restore a champion’s edge.
Busch’s situation has become a focal point for NASCAR fans and stakeholders alike, who remember his glory days at Joe Gibbs Racing and recognize his enduring marketability and talent. As Harvick’s story illustrates, a “Kyle Busch fresh start” might be the next chapter that both the driver and Richard Childress Racing need to return to Victory Lane and championship contention. Much now depends on how Busch and those around him respond to this crossroads, with the outcome likely to influence not only his career but also the ongoing narratives within NASCAR itself.
