Kyle Busch is experiencing one of the toughest periods of his career, as continued struggles in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season have led to a significant change for the #8 team, with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) appointing a new crew chief. The decision follows an extended poor run, as Busch searches for answers and momentum during what many consider a historic slump, spotlighting the focus keyword: Kyle Busch new crew chief.
RCR Makes Leadership Change After Prolonged Struggles
After a 2024 season where Busch did not secure a single win and missed the playoffs for the first time, this year has provided little relief. With just two top-five finishes out of thirty-one races, Busch’s winless streak has reached a staggering 88 races, creating mounting frustration within the team. Reports from Kansas highlighted internal stress, as even Busch’s spotter raised concerns over the radio, and now, his longtime crew chief Randall Burnett is stepping down, marking a pivotal shift within Richard Childress Racing.
Andy Street Steps Into Key Role for the #8 Team
RCR has selected Andy Street to step in as the acting crew chief for their flagship Cup Series entry. Street is not new to the organization’s ranks: he has previously led seven Cup Series races for RCR’s part-time operations, and was Austin Hill’s crew chief in the Xfinity Series, helping Hill reach the championship four just last season. Under Street’s guidance, his teams have claimed 11 Xfinity Series wins, providing a track record that brings hope to the embattled #8 team.
Despite Street’s achievements, it remains uncertain whether this appointment will extend beyond the current season. RCR has not confirmed if Street will continue with Busch through 2026 or if the team is considering other options for a more permanent solution.
“With Randall Burnett and Rchard Childress Racing parting ways at the end of the season, RCR has decided Andy Street will step in as crew chief of the No. 8 team with driver Kyle Busch effective this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Burnett will continue contributing in a support role with the organization through the end of the season. RCR says Additional information regarding future competition roles will be shared at a later date.”
Claire Lang, NASCAR journalist
Impact of Burnett’s Departure and Street’s Arrival
Randall Burnett, who joined forces with Busch at RCR, initially helped deliver three wins in 2023, but the partnership has since faltered. Persistent questions about car speed and strategies have surrounded the duo, with RCR unable to pin down the deficit affecting their performance. Burnett’s automotive instincts have yielded past success, notably guiding Tyler Reddick to an Xfinity Series championship and Cup Series victories before aligning with the #8 team.
Burnett is set to remain with Richard Childress Racing in a support capacity through the end of the season, and his next position is already secured; he will serve as the crew chief for Connor Zilisch in 2026, guiding Zilisch into his Cup Series debut. Burnett’s move could pave the way for a rising champion, while also giving Busch and his current team a chance to reset direction.
Historic Context and Uncertainty Ahead
The current challenges place RCR in unfamiliar territory, a stark difference from the organization’s championship heyday with NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. The situation underscores a need for new leadership and strategic changes as the team seeks to recapture competitive form amid heightened scrutiny from the NASCAR community. Busch, sometimes known as “Rowdy,” may need to consider further changes as his winless streak continues and playoff prospects evaporate.
As the season progresses, the spotlight remains on whether the change in crew chief will spark a resurgence for Busch, who, alongside familiar names such as Andy Street, Randall Burnett, and Richard Childress, will be seeking a turnaround. RCR promises to update future competition roles, leaving fans and analysts to wonder what additional steps might be taken if results do not improve, and how this era will define the legacies of those involved in one of NASCAR’s most storied organizations.
With Randall Burnett and Rchard Childress Racing parting ways at the end of the season, RCR has decided Andy Street will step in as crew chief of the No. 8 team with driver Kyle Busch effective this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Burnett will continue contributing in a…
— Claire B Lang (@ClaireBLang) October 1, 2025
