Richard Childress Racing has announced a significant adjustment involving the Kyle Busch crew chief change, set for the 2026 Cup Series season. Starting with the new season, Jim Pohlman, currently a notable figure in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, will take over as crew chief from Randall Burnett for the #8 Chevy driven by Kyle Busch.
The decision follows a period of underperformance for the team, with Kyle Busch unable to secure a victory since his sophomore year at Richard Childress Racing. In the 2024 season, Busch lost his usual playoff spot and ended a long-standing tradition of season wins, prompting the organization to rethink its strategy and leadership.
JRM Roots Shaped Jim Pohlman’s NASCAR Journey
Jim Pohlman’s background in motorsports is marked by versatility and achievement. In the 2022 NASCAR season, he steered multiple roles for Richard Childress Racing before joining JR Motorsports (JRM). At JRM, Pohlman teamed up with Justin Allgaier as crew chief for the #7 Chevy. Their collaboration proved highly successful, culminating in the 2024 Xfinity Series championship trophy.
Reflecting on the role that JRM and Allgaier played in his career, Pohlman said:
“Justin is the guy that put me on the map. Without JRM, this opportunity doesn’t exist. It’s very hard to leave Justin; he’s a great friend and has been a friend for a long time. We’ve won an ARCA championship, we’ve won an Xfinity championship – hopefully, we’re going to win two. To walk away from the possibility of winning three in a row was very heavy on my mind.”
– Jim Pohlman, Crew Chief
Pohlman’s path from ARCA champion to Xfinity Series winner helped solidify his reputation, catching the attention of Richard Childress Racing for their Cup Series program’s next evolution.
Aiming for Cup Series Glory and the Daytona 500
Looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities with Kyle Busch, Jim Pohlman is focused on achieving success at the top tier of NASCAR. He emphasized his ambition for the highest level of competition and his dream of capturing a victory at one of the sport’s most prestigious events, stating:
“The goal for me has always been to race on Sunday and make it to that level and have an opportunity to win Daytona 500s and win at the highest level. It’s a great opportunity, and I’m certainly looking forward to it.”
– Jim Pohlman, Crew Chief
Pohlman’s arrival at Richard Childress Racing is seen as a move designed to invigorate the struggling #8 team, providing fresh leadership and a proven track record to change the momentum for both the organization and Kyle Busch.
Pressure on Kyle Busch as Milestone Start Fails to Halt Slump
Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, recently notched his 100th start for Richard Childress Racing during the Gateway race—a milestone typically met with celebration. However, the occasion was overshadowed by ongoing scrutiny regarding his prolonged winless streak, now stretching through 33 races this season. Busch currently sits 22nd in the Cup Series standings with 663 points, having posted only nine top-ten finishes and two top fives.
Randall Burnett, the outgoing crew chief, addressed the team’s challenges with candor:
“Well, obviously, we are not in the exact spot we would like to be. We have had some decent speed at a lot of tracks, and through various things, have taken ourselves out of it or gotten taken out of some good finishes. There have been some tracks where we have been absolutely terrible at.” (via the NASCAR Live podcast)
– Randall Burnett, Crew Chief
This honest assessment reflects both the frustration and drive felt within the team as they try to return to their winning ways, especially with passionate fans and the broader NASCAR community closely watching the developments.
What Pohlman’s Appointment Means for Richard Childress Racing
The change in crew chief comes at a pivotal time for both Kyle Busch and Richard Childress Racing. With fresh leadership in Jim Pohlman—whose Xfinity Series accomplishments and synergy with drivers like Justin Allgaier suggest a capacity to build strong driver relationships—the team hopes to reverse a trend of missed playoff opportunities and renew its focus on championship contention.
Pohlman’s vision and energy, influenced by his background at JRM and experience with high-stakes races, may provide the competitive edge needed for the team. The goal is clear: end the current winless run for Kyle Busch and target major victories, including the iconic Daytona 500.
As the 2026 season approaches, the effectiveness of the Kyle Busch crew chief change will be watched closely, promising renewed intensity and possibly a return to the team’s celebrated form in NASCAR’s top series.
