In a significant move for the upcoming NASCAR season, Denny Hamlin has expressed his strong support for the recent Kyle Busch RCR crew chief change, a decision seen as pivotal for the future of Richard Childress Racing and Busch’s performance. With Jim Pohlman set to lead the No. 8 RCR Chevrolet team, key members of the NASCAR community are optimistic that this leadership switch will help turn around Busch’s extended winless streak and energize the organization’s competitive efforts.
Major Change as Jim Pohlman Returns to RCR in Crew Chief Role
Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion, is experiencing one of the longest winless droughts of his career, spanning 90 races. After a challenging period, Busch recently managed a top-10 finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, igniting hopes within his camp that momentum may finally shift. The pressure to perform has grown louder, but Busch and the Richard Childress Racing brass have taken decisive action to address the situation by bringing Jim Pohlman on board as crew chief.
Pohlman is no stranger to success, having guided Justin Allgaier to numerous victories and the 2024 Xfinity Series championship as the crew chief of the No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet. Beyond his recent accolades, Pohlman carries valuable experience from his time leading RCR’s research and development program, particularly during the initial rollout of the Next Gen car in 2022. This background has made him a sought-after figure for teams looking to innovate and sharpen their edge in a fiercely competitive series.
Denny Hamlin Voices Strong Support for the Leadership Change
Denny Hamlin, a prominent driver and the co-owner of 23XI Racing, is convinced this move is a strong step forward for the struggling RCR operation. He stated his endorsement for the decision by saying,
“I think that’s probably the best option.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver and team co-owner. Hamlin’s perspective carries considerable weight, not only as a competitor but as someone with a deep understanding of building competitive teams in modern NASCAR.
During a recent ‘Actions Detrimental’ podcast episode, Hamlin offered insight into why an external hire like Pohlman can be particularly effective for an underperforming group, declaring,
“Just a fresh set of eyes, right? I like that RCR is hiring out of the company versus promoting someone. More than likely, if someone was really really good within the shop, their their cars will be running better, right? And so bring in a new set of eyes that hasn’t seen this thing for a while.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver and team co-owner. Hamlin’s comment highlights the belief that internal promotions alone may not offer the transformative change required to revitalize a team’s prospects.
Jim Pohlman’s Return Brings Valuable Expertise to the Team
Jim Pohlman’s reputation extends across the NASCAR garage. He not only led Justin Allgaier to an Xfinity Series championship but was instrumental in RCR’s efforts during the pivotal transition to the Next Gen car. Hamlin reflected on the broader impact of such hires by noting,
“We recruited Billy Scott for the 45 back in the day was that, you know, he knew the NextGen car. He was part of the development when he was at RCR. He helped NASCAR with the development of the NextGen car. We thought we’d get a leg up by having someone uh who was familiar…He probably more than likely he worked with Billy Scott at some point on the development of the Next-Gen car.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver and team co-owner.
Kyle Busch confirmed the change at Talladega Superspeedway, emphasizing why Pohlman was selected:
“I would say his passion and the leadership conversations that we had,”
—Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver. Busch added further,
“You are not hiring a guy based off results in a Cup car. That is yet to be seen and made, but hopefully he’s the guy that can lead us in the right direction with not just the 8 car, but RCR as a whole.”
—Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver. This reveals Busch’s belief that Pohlman’s motivational style and strategic mindset are what the organization needs at this critical juncture.
Hamlin remains optimistic about the partnership’s potential, saying,
“Hopefully it gets Kyle Busch the the performance jump that he’s looking for.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver and team co-owner. The support from such a key rival and current team owner underscores the scale of anticipation for this new chapter at Richard Childress Racing.
Collaborative Decision-Making Across the RCR Organization
The push to secure a new crew chief for the No. 8 team was not taken lightly. After former crew chief Randall Burnett departed for Trackhouse Racing, RCR leadership assembled a coalition to craft the best path forward. Team owner Richard Childress, president Mike Verlander, executive vice president Mike Dillon, along with Austin Dillon and Kyle Busch, engaged in numerous discussions, reviewing several qualified candidates before unanimously agreeing on Pohlman as the ideal fit for the role.
Austin Dillon, current driver of the No. 3 RCR Chevrolet, praised Pohlman based on his earlier stint with the organization, sharing valuable insight:
“We know what kind of a person he is, what kind of a worker he is,”
—Austin Dillon, NASCAR driver. Dillon elaborated,
“His attitude is infectious. We missed him when he left. I think remembering what it was like having him here and some of the things that he did for our organization made it a great fit to come back at the right time with Kyle. I’m really excited to get him in the building and helping build the 8 team.”
—Austin Dillon, NASCAR driver. These remarks point to Pohlman’s respected work ethic, leadership qualities, and the positive impact he previously had on the team environment.
Why This Crew Chief Shift Matters for RCR and Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch’s prolonged struggles have been a focal point in the NASCAR season, as a 63-time Cup Series race winner searches for the form that made him one of the sport’s most formidable competitors. This restructuring is viewed as crucial not only for Busch’s pursuit of victories but also for restoring momentum within the entire Richard Childress Racing operation. The combined efforts and optimism displayed by Hamlin, Busch, and the RCR leadership reflect the significance of the moment.
With Jim Pohlman taking the reins as crew chief, RCR aims to replicate the revitalization that benefited other teams, such as the positive transformation seen at 23XI Racing following the addition of Charles Denike to Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 car. The hope now is that Pohlman’s outside perspective, Next Gen expertise, and track record will catalyze a similar turnaround for both Busch and the broader RCR crew. As stakeholders anticipate what the next season holds, all eyes will be on the chemistry developed within the No. 8 team and whether this strategic gamble yields the desired uptick in performance on the track.
Ultimately, as everyone from organization brass to fans of the sport await the debut of the new Kyle Busch RCR crew chief partnership, the move stands as one of the most closely watched developments in the NASCAR paddock. The outcome may well determine the trajectory of both Busch’s legacy and Richard Childress Racing’s aspirations in the seasons to come.
