Longtime NASCAR observer Bob Pockrass has pointed to Spire Motorsports as a possible new home for Kyle Busch, intensifying speculation about the veteran driver’s future as his contract with Richard Childress Racing nears conclusion. The discussion, centering around the Kyle Busch next team prediction, comes as the two-time Cup Series champion faces the longest winless drought of his career, highlighting the pressure and uncertainty about what lies ahead for Busch.
Kyle Busch, who last won in the NASCAR Cup Series nearly three years ago, is predicted to reach a 93-race winless streak by the end of 2025 if his fortunes do not change soon. While he is expected to finish one more year with Richard Childress Racing (RCR), questions have arisen about where he might race next, especially as results have failed to meet expectations over recent seasons.
Potential Transition Away from Richard Childress Racing
During Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast, Bob Pockrass discussed the current challenges at RCR and made it clear that a switch to Spire Motorsports is a potential outcome for Kyle Busch. Spire, which currently operates three cars led by drivers Justin Haley, Michael McDowell, and Carson Hocevar, has found limited success since its 2019 Daytona win with Haley. With only three top-ten finishes since Haley assumed the No. 7 car, his seat for the future remains uncertain, possibly opening space for a high-profile signing like Busch.
According to Pockrass, while it seems Busch will remain at RCR for another season, ongoing performance struggles could influence his decision to leave. The conversation intensified as the focus turned to the issue of crew chiefs and team leadership stability, key elements for both Busch and RCR’s future planning.
Debate Over Crew Chief and Team Direction
Pockrass highlighted the complexity of RCR’s search for a permanent crew chief to work with Busch, a decision made even more challenging by the uncertainty around Busch’s long-term plans. He explored the dilemma, noting the difficulty for potential candidates who may not know if the role with Busch is temporary or could lead to working with another driver such as Austin Hill or Jesse Love.
“That’s the challenge now in getting a new crew chief – do you bring somebody in who’s probably wondering ‘gosh, am I coming in to crew chief Kyle Busch, and is that just going to be for one year, or am I being brought in to crew chief Kyle Busch for a year and then maybe Austin Hill or Jesse Love or somebody else?’”
— Bob Pockrass, NASCAR Insider
Addressing whether a rookie crew chief could be placed alongside Busch, Pockrass noted the opportunity for internal candidates and mentioned that the situation could benefit the team in the long run if they invest in someone with potential—even if Busch does not remain long-term. This internal debate reflects the deeper organizational questions within the team about how to position itself for both immediate and future success.
“Is the right answer for Richard Childress Racing also the right answer for Kyle Busch in that situation?”
— Bob Pockrass, NASCAR Insider
What Busch’s Next Move Could Mean for NASCAR
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Kyle Busch’s future has broader implications for the series, Richard Childress Racing, Spire Motorsports, and the careers of young drivers like Austin Hill and Jesse Love. If Busch transitions to Spire, it could reshape the driver lineup and prompt significant changes at both organizations, with the potential for fresh opportunity at Spire and a new face piloting the No. 7 car. Justin Haley, Corey LaJoie, and other drivers involved are likely to feel the impact should Busch make a move.
As the speculation around the Kyle Busch next team prediction intensifies, industry observers and fans alike will be watching closely to see whether he can snap his winless streak and where he ultimately decides to continue his storied Cup Series career. The choices made by Busch, Richard Childress Racing, and Spire Motorsports in the coming months could have lasting effects throughout the NASCAR landscape.
