Kyle Busch has addressed the recent shift in his team dynamics, following the announcement of a new interim crew chief at Richard Childress Racing’s No. 8 car ahead of the Bank of America Roval 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. This move comes as Busch continues the longest winless drought of his NASCAR Cup Series career, making the Kyle Busch crew chief change a focal point for fans and observers.
Transition at Richard Childress Racing’s No. 8 Team
After 88 NASCAR Cup Series races without a victory, Busch’s team at Richard Childress Racing has made a significant internal adjustment by replacing longtime crew chief Randall Burnett. Andy Street has stepped in as the interim leader on the pit box for the Charlotte Roval event, taking over from Burnett, who joined the team as Busch’s crew chief at the beginning of the 2023 season.
In September, it was revealed that Burnett will transition to Trackhouse Racing for the 2026 season to mentor rookie Connor Zilisch in his debut Cup Series year. For the remainder of the current season, RCR has reassigned Burnett to a support role within the organization, as the team looks to reenergize Busch’s campaign and break their extended streak without a win.
Kyle Busch Responds to the Crew Chief Change
Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has completed nearly three years with Richard Childress Racing. After a promising start that included three wins in his initial 15 outings for RCR, victories have since proved elusive for the 63-time race winner.
He acknowledged the need for change given the lack of recent success:
“Obviously, I mean, we’re not getting the results, right?”
– Kyle Busch, Driver
Busch also emphasized the performance-driven nature of NASCAR, pointing to the underlying expectations involved:
“Results (are) what matters. We’re in a performance-based business and not getting the results. It’s got to fall back on someone, and they re-signed me for another year.”
– Kyle Busch, Driver
He mentioned feeling supported by the organization, noting the team’s commitment to finding solutions:
“So that kind of gave me the notion of they’ve gotten my back, you know, we need (to) find some way ( to change things).”
– Kyle Busch, Driver
Despite the professional necessity of the move, Busch was careful to speak warmly of Burnett’s contributions and their rapport:
“Love Randall for everything that he is and who he was for our race team. When I joined this race team, you know, the relationship that we had, you know, his family and kid driving for me a couple of years ago with go-karts,”
– Kyle Busch, Driver
He concluded with a simple recognition of the realities in NASCAR competition:
“So, it’s just a matter of things change,”
– Kyle Busch, Driver
Looking Ahead for RCR and Kyle Busch
As Andy Street assumes the interim crew chief position, the remaining races of the season will serve as a critical period for evaluating the team’s new direction. The chemistry and results between Busch and Street could influence decisions regarding a permanent appointment for the 2026 campaign. With Burnett moving to Trackhouse Racing to guide Connor Zilisch, Richard Childress Racing is aiming to rediscover its winning form, while Busch focuses on ending his prolonged winless streak and returning to Victory Lane in the highly competitive NASCAR Cup Series.
Kyle Busch on needing a change at crew chief as Randall Burnett is going to Trackhouse next year for Connor Zilisch. He said it is up to team leadership to make the final decision on who will crew chief him. Andy Street is crew chief for rest of the 2025 season. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/LHSLQBUuo6
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 4, 2025
