Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, faces a pivotal moment following a recent change in his Richard Childress Racing crew chief, a decision that has drawn attention throughout the racing world. The ongoing Kyle Busch crew chief change sees Busch depending on team leadership as Andy Street steps in for Randall Burnett, adding uncertainty and potential for the remaining races this season.
Leadership Adjustments at Richard Childress Racing
Richard Childress Racing announced that Randall Burnett, who began working as Kyle Busch’s crew chief in 2023, will leave the team after the 2024 season to join Trackhouse Racing and guide Connor Zilisch in his Cup Series debut in 2026. In response, Andy Street will take over as Busch’s crew chief for the season’s remainder. While the shift introduces new dynamics, it also tests the decision-making of team owner Richard Childress and president Mike Verlander, who are tasked with steering the team forward.
Speaking about the recent changes and placing his trust in the organization’s leadership, Kyle Busch expressed his thoughts:
“There’s got to be a greater plan with Richard (Childress) and (Mike) Verlander, so relying on those guys to make some good, educated decisions and calls and things of what they want to do and how they want to see the structure,” Kyle Busch told journalist Claire B Lang. “You know, it’s their race team, not mine, but I want to obviously be a part of a winning team, and we are working towards that.”
—Kyle Busch, Driver
Drivers and Insiders Reflect on the Shakeup
Bush’s former Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Denny Hamlin, has offered public support for the decision, highlighting the need for a fresh direction. According to Hamlin:
“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.”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver
Since June 4, 2023, Busch has yet to secure a Cup Series victory. He missed out on the playoffs this year and currently ranks 21st in the driver standings, tallying 631 points, two top-five finishes, and eight top-10 performances over 31 races. Despite the drought, Busch maintains his commitment to Richard Childress Racing with an active contract extending through the 2026 season, continuing to drive the No. 8 Chevrolet.
Speculation Over Busch’s Long-term Future
NASCAR broadcaster Bob Pockrass, appearing on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour Podcast, weighed in with predictions regarding Busch’s winless run and his tenure with Richard Childress Racing. While optimistic about the driver’s chances, Pockrass floated the idea of a future outside RCR:
“I think Kyle Busch wins again. I just don’t know whether it’s at RCR or not. And look, I think Spire would like to have him and see what they can do with him. He can’t be happy, and if they continue to run the way they’ve been running, he’ll want to leave.”
—Bob Pockrass, FOX Sports Journalist
Busch’s on-track performance this season has been inconsistent, with a 10th-place finish at Sonoma and an 8th-place run at Darlington standing as the highlights since early summer. As speculation continues about Busch’s future, both with Richard Childress Racing and possibly elsewhere such as Spire Motorsports, eyes turn toward his next races, especially as he seeks to end his winless streak.
Upcoming Races and Looking Forward
Kyle Busch will aim to break his year-long dry spell at the Bank of America ROVAL 400, scheduled for Sunday, October 5, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The event, featuring 109 laps, will be broadcast live on USA with radio coverage provided by PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. With changes in his racing team’s structure and mounting pressure for results, how Busch and the leadership at Richard Childress Racing handle this transition will likely influence both the immediate season and his long-term standing in the Cup Series.
Today @CLTMotorSpdwy I asked @KyleBusch with a one year contract now what might @RCRracing do to support him with a crew chief that works for him in 2026… pic.twitter.com/xlWEVKznGe
— Claire B Lang (@ClaireBLang) October 4, 2025
After a disappointing season for Kyle Busch, @KevinHarvick and @bobpockrass discuss what his future might look like. pic.twitter.com/88rSVkn0Gv
— HarvickHappyHour (@HarvickHappyPod) October 3, 2025
