Denny Hamlin’s NASCAR analysis has brought fresh perspective to Kyle Busch’s ongoing struggles in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, raising questions about causes behind Busch’s performance slump and the tough choices that lie ahead for Richard Childress Racing. As major changes shape the team’s future, Hamlin, along with NASCAR insiders, has weighed in on where responsibility lies and whether a change of scenery could be the key to Busch’s resurgence.
Kyle Busch’s Struggles Intensify at Richard Childress Racing
The current NASCAR Cup Series campaign has proven difficult for Kyle Busch, who has managed only eight top-10 finishes from 31 races, with a fifth-place result as his season best so far. While Austin Dillon, his Richard Childress Racing (RCR) teammate, claimed victory this year, Busch’s decline in form has drawn attention across the paddock. Amid these results, it was announced that his crew chief, Randall Burnett, would depart RCR at the conclusion of the season, taking on a new opportunity with Conor Zilisch at Trackhouse for the 2026 rookie campaign.
This leadership change places pressure on Busch and Richard Childress to scout for a suitable replacement and implement significant strategic shifts ahead of the 2026 season, with the clear aim of returning to winning ways. The broader implications are not lost on fans or those within the organization, as many seek insight into whether personnel shuffles alone will address the team’s issues.
Denny Hamlin Assesses RCR’s Direction and Shares His Perspective
Discussing the situation on a recent episode of his Actions Detrimental podcast, Denny Hamlin emphasized the need for change at RCR while expressing confidence in Busch’s driving talent. Hamlin is convinced that Busch remains capable of clinching victories, provided that the team surrounds him with the right resources and guidance.
“I think he needed a change. I think all parties need a change. Certainly, Kyle’s going through it right now. The performance is not there. I am a believer that Kyle Busch still has the ability to go win races. I do think that his cars are off, but I don’t think they’re off to the extent that we’re seeing on Sundays.”
— Denny Hamlin, Actions Detrimental podcast
Hamlin noted that Busch’s recent run of mistakes on the track has contributed to the lackluster results observed in the last two seasons. According to Hamlin, improvement must be a collective effort, with responsibility shared amongst drivers, crew, and leadership. The necessity of reevaluating team composition and dynamics has become increasingly apparent as the struggle for positive outcomes continues.
“I don’t know that Randall Burnett is making the car spin out every week or hit the wall every week. There’s got to be a little bit of shared responsibility in what’s going on with Kyle right now, but certainly it’s not good. So, I think everyone just wanted a change of scenery — they’re all going to get it.”
— Denny Hamlin, Actions Detrimental podcast
Suggestions Emerge for a New Path: 23XI Racing as a Solution?
Amidst the speculation, NASCAR insider Danielle Trotta has put forth the idea that Denny Hamlin himself could be instrumental in revitalizing Busch’s career, with a bold plan that involves moving Busch to the Toyota stable of 23XI Racing. Trotta believes Busch’s strong rapport with Hamlin and his history with Toyota make this a potentially fruitful fit, proposing that Busch could replace Riley Herbst in the team’s third car.
“I’ll tell you where I would want to put him if I could. I would put him in that third 23XI car. He has a great relationship with Denny, they get on great, he knows the Toyota landscape, Riley Herbst is not performing, and he’s got a little money that he brings with him in sponsorship.”
— Danielle Trotta, Sirius XM
With 23XI having benefited from the leadership of Kurt Busch before his retirement, the idea is that Kyle Busch could inject new energy into the team, mentor younger drivers, and reignite his own career ambitions—particularly in an environment better suited to his driving style and experience. The alternative, continuing at RCR under current circumstances, risks seeing one of NASCAR’s most recognized veterans end his career without another win.
“Like if I’m Denny, if I’m Kyle, I’m like ‘bro, do your boy a favor, get me in your car, I want to win again’… I don’t think he should hang it up. I mean I know what you’re saying, it’s tough to watch him run in the back, but I don’t want to see him walk away.”
— Danielle Trotta, Sirius XM
Evaluating the Impact: What’s Ahead for Busch and RCR?
The suggestion for Busch to transition to 23XI Racing is gaining traction among insiders, as it would not only offer the two-time champion a more competitive environment, but also bolster sponsorships and teamwork within the Toyota organization. The move could strengthen 23XI by pairing Busch’s experience alongside drivers like Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace, supporting their growth on the Cup circuit.
However, such a transfer would have implications for the team’s long-term planning, notably affecting prospects like Corey Heim, who, together with Conor Zilisch, is seen as a central figure in NASCAR’s next generation. With RCR in need of reinvention and Busch considering his options, the next few months could bring decisive announcements that will reshape the lineup of both organizations and the broader NASCAR landscape.
As teams prepare for the remainder of the season and look toward 2026, decisions around leadership, driver alignments, and team identity at RCR and 23XI will be watched closely. Fans, sponsors, and NASCAR officials alike will be looking for signs that the right changes are being made to unlock untapped potential and restore one of the Cup Series’ top drivers to his rightful place at the front of the field.
