Denny Hamlin on Jim Pohlman has become a focal point for Richard Childress Racing’s bid to rescue Kyle Busch’s challenging tenure, following RCR’s announcement that Jim Pohlman will take over as the new crew chief for the No. 8 Chevy in 2026. With the team eager for a turnaround after disappointing seasons, this move reflects a significant effort to inject new leadership and fresh strategy into the operation.
Leadership Overhaul at Richard Childress Racing
The past two years have posed difficulties for both Kyle Busch and RCR, undermining their championship aspirations. After Busch joined the organization in 2023, boosted by early wins but followed by stagnant results, the team recognized the need for a transformative change. Responding to these struggles, RCR decided to appoint Jim Pohlman, who has held the role of crew chief for Justin Allgaier at JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series, as crew chief for the No. 8 team starting in 2026.
Denny Hamlin Endorses Bringing in an Outsider
The decision to recruit Pohlman from outside RCR’s current ranks garnered praise from Busch’s former teammate, Denny Hamlin. Speaking candidly about the team’s internal dynamics and the necessity of new perspectives, Hamlin emphasized the value of hiring someone external rather than relying on internal promotions.
Maybe it’s just a fresh set of eyes. I like that RCR is hiring out of the company versus promoting someone.
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Hamlin inferred that RCR’s internal options had not demonstrated the performance needed to elevate the team, highlighting that an external hire might bring the innovative thinking required for improvement.
More than likely, if someone was really good within the shop, their cars will be running better. Maybe he can come up with something to where why aren’t you guys looking at Y versus X? Hopefully it gets Kyle Bush the performance jump that he’s looking for.
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
His statements underscored a belief that a different approach—and a questioning mindset about existing practices—could help Kyle Busch regain competitiveness.
Kyle Busch Explains the Motivation Behind the Hire
Kyle Busch confronted concerns about Jim Pohlman’s lack of direct Next-Gen Cup car experience, expressing confidence in Pohlman’s attributes beyond a conventional résumé. Busch highlighted Pohlman’s passion and his leadership skills as decisive factors for his appointment, stressing the need for guidance capable of steering both his own team and the broader RCR organization.
I would say his passion and just the leadership conversations that we had. You’re not hiring a guy based off of results in a Cup car, right? That’s yet to be seen and to be made. Hopefully, he’s the guy that can help lead us in the right direction with not just the 8 car but also RCR as a whole.
Kyle Busch, Driver, No. 8 RCR
Busch further supported the leadership change by referencing Pohlman’s achievements at JR Motorsports. He noted Pohlman’s proven track record in adapting to existing structures and pushing them to new heights, citing nearly two championship runs as evidence of his effective leadership and organizational impact.
I feel like a guy like that who has been able to jump into a system that’s been somewhat successful and improve it and to get results out of it and to almost win two championships already — going for a third — that led to some really good leadership traits for me and improvement of organization.
Kyle Busch, Driver, No. 8 RCR
These comments illustrated Busch’s belief that Pohlman’s arrival could benefit not only his own performance behind the wheel but also set a new tone for RCR’s competitive spirit as a whole.
The Stakes for Kyle Busch and RCR
With optimism comes unmistakable pressure: if the leadership change does not yield tangible results, it could influence Busch’s future with the team as the veteran driver nears the latter stage of his career. Given the limited time remaining before Busch considers retirement, RCR’s gamble on Pohlman carries added significance. Both the organization and the driver are betting on the fresh partnership to generate the performance and results they have sought since 2023.
Denny Hamlin on Jim Pohlman represents a crossroads for RCR, with the organization’s competitive trajectory and Kyle Busch’s future intertwined in the outcome of this bold strategic shift. As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on whether this new collaboration revives the No. 8 team’s fortunes and restores the team’s standing in the NASCAR Cup Series.
