Kyle Busch’s ongoing performance struggles have drawn sharper attention following blunt public criticism from Denny Hamlin, who questioned both the driver’s recent results and broader issues at Richard Childress Racing. With crew chief Randall Burnett set to leave and no wins since mid-2023, questions now focus on whether Busch and his team can break the downward trend in upcoming NASCAR races.
Hamlin Raises Concerns Over Busch’s Decline at Richard Childress Racing
Pressure continues to mount on Kyle Busch as his tenure at Richard Childress Racing (RCR) shows few signs of improvement. Denny Hamlin, host of the “Actions Detrimental” podcast and a long-time Cup Series adversary, delivered direct remarks on Busch’s form, suggesting the problem runs deeper than just equipment or team changes.
“I don’t think they’re off to the extent that we’re seeing on Sundays.”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
Hamlin did not absolve crew chief Randall Burnett of all responsibility, but pointed out that mechanical issues and pit strategy might not account for consistent on-track incidents. He explained,
“Like, you know, you know, I don’t know that Randall Bernett is making the car spin out every week or hit the wall every week. You know what I mean? Like there’s, there’s got to be a little bit of, you know, shared responsibility and what’s going on with Kyle right now. But certainly it’s, it’s not good.”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
The discussion arose as news emerged that Burnett will exit RCR after this season, taking a new opportunity at Trackhouse Racing starting in 2026. Hamlin emphasized that while Burnett’s role is critical, it does not fully explain Busch’s repeated issues on track, including spins and crashes that have become increasingly common in recent races.
Shifting Roles and Rising Pressure After Burnett’s Departure
Randall Burnett stepped in as Kyle Busch’s crew chief in 2023, hoping to revive the fortunes of the storied RCR outfit after a successful stint with Tyler Reddick. That year began on a hopeful note, with three wins early in the partnership. However, since Busch’s last victory at World Wide Technology Raceway, results have slipped rapidly.
Across the next 87 races—a stretch covering almost two full Cup Series seasons—Busch managed only a 17.9 average finish, collecting zero wins. The 2024 season was particularly disappointing, as for the first time in 18 years, Busch failed to win a single Cup Series race. The current season has yet to see him finish in the top three, extending the pressure to deliver for both himself and his new crew.
Burnett’s upcoming move to Trackhouse Racing will see him join forces with rookie sensation Connor Zilisch, who has shown promise in the Xfinity Series. Zilisch is expected to make his full-time Cup debut in 2026, potentially filling the seat of Daniel Suarez. This reshuffle leaves Richard Childress Racing hunting for a new crew chief to guide Busch, further increasing the instability surrounding the No. 8 Chevrolet team.
Kyle Busch Burns for a Breakthrough as Results Slide
Kyle Busch’s drought has reached more than two full seasons, highlighting a stark contrast to his earlier success in the Cup Series, where he boasts 63 career wins—more than any other active driver. Despite showing encouraging speed at Kansas Speedway, Busch was unable to mount a serious challenge for the lead, and the frustration was evident in his comments after the race.
“The entire No. 8 Chevrolet team worked throughout the race to make adjustments to make us competitive today. We made forward progress, but it just wasn’t enough to get us where we needed to be to contend for a victory this afternoon at Kansas Speedway. This race is in the books, and our attention is now on securing that first win of the season next weekend at the Charlotte Roval.”
— Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver
While Kansas failed to bring a breakthrough, Busch and the team remain focused on future opportunities, especially as the winless streak looms over a once-dominant driver. The hope for a turnaround rests heavily on their performance at the Charlotte Roval and upcoming tracks, but the pattern of struggling to lead laps or contend for podiums persists.
Busch’s arrival at Richard Childress Racing in 2023 was billed as the start of a resurgence, especially after a trio of victories early on. However, since that promising start, both Busch’s and the team’s results have declined, and off-track developments like Burnett’s looming departure have only complicated the landscape in the garage.
What the Future Holds for Busch and RCR
With crew chief Randall Burnett preparing for a new chapter at Trackhouse Racing and the team working to fill the gap, Busch’s immediate prospects for change appear uncertain. The search for a new leader atop the pit box will be critical as RCR seeks to reverse its downward spiral, and much attention will be paid to whether Busch can recapture his past form amid these changes.
The ongoing Kyle Busch performance struggles have thrown the spotlight not just on individual results but on the broader state of the team and its leadership. NASCAR fans and observers will be watching closely as Busch and Richard Childress Racing look to end the drought and navigate a period of transition within one of stock car racing’s most storied teams.
