Kyle Busch and Richard Childress Racing will head into the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season with a significant change as they welcome Jim Pohlman as the new crew chief for the No. 8 team. This move marks a pivotal step for both Busch and Pohlman, with fans and industry insiders closely watching how the new partnership will shape the team’s future, keeping “Kyle Busch new crew chief” as a focus for the next season’s storyline.
Jim Pohlman Leaves JR Motorsports for Richard Childress Racing
Jim Pohlman’s decision to join Busch’s team comes after a successful stint as crew chief for Justin Allgaier and JR Motorsports’ No. 7 car in the Xfinity Series. Pohlman and Allgaier captured a series championship together in 2024 and are contenders again as they approach the season finale at Phoenix Raceway next month. His departure is not just a professional shift but also a personal milestone, according to those who worked closely with him at JR Motorsports.
Look, it is hard to replace a guy like Jim,
Dale Earnhardt Jr., Team Owner and NASCAR Legend
He made the choice to go. I love it. It’s tough to replace him. Are we better with him? Yes, we’re a much better race team with Jim in the building, but that’s what this team is about. … We’ve had a lot of different drivers and crew chiefs go off to other organizations. That is what this company is about. That is what this company does. He’s earned it, he gave us a championship, maybe two depending on how things go here at Phoenix.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., Team Owner and NASCAR Legend
Pohlman brings a wealth of experience from his time at JR Motorsports and prior familiarity with the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) environment, adding an element of continuity as well as fresh insight for the No. 8 squad.
Kyle Busch Eyes a Strong Rebound with New Leadership
Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion, saw promising early results with RCR by winning three times in his first 15 outings. However, Busch and the No. 8 team have not found Victory Lane since the summer of 2023 at Gateway and have missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons, making this leadership shift a highly anticipated moment for the organization.
Pohlman’s strategic thinking and meticulous approach have been praised by both his current and former colleagues. Dale Earnhardt Jr. endorsed the move, noting the potential for Busch and Pohlman to form a winning combination. The expectation is that Pohlman’s expertise and focus on details can help Busch regain his competitive edge at tracks like Daytona International Speedway, Phoenix Raceway, and more challenging stops throughout the season.
Kyle Busch even commented on Jim’s leadership and what he saw Jim accomplish here at this business as something he was excited about for next year. So, I’m ready for them to get to the racetrack. I can’t wait to see how Jim and Kyle do next year,
Dale Earnhardt Jr., Team Owner and NASCAR Legend
That is what it’s gonna take, especially with that car, the Cup car that the guys are racing. Every thousandth of a fraction of a freaking inch and every little piece and part is what you gotta work for to gain an advantage. You got to add it all up, and he is into it. I think he’ll have some success there.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., Team Owner and NASCAR Legend
With the Xfinity Series championship possibly still in the cards for Allgaier and Pohlman this year, the upcoming transition is buoyed by the hope of ending their time at JR Motorsports on a high note before embarking on a new Cup campaign at RCR.
Anticipating the Impact of Pohlman’s Arrival at RCR
The arrival of Jim Pohlman sets high expectations for the No. 8 team, given his recent track record for building strong organizations and leading successful runs in championship settings. Richard Childress Racing believes Pohlman’s approach aligns with their vision for revitalizing the team around Busch, hoping his leadership style and technical knowledge can be the catalyst to regain playoff form and return to Victory Lane.
Industry observers note that Pohlman’s background with multiple teams and familiarity with Cup Series dynamics could make for a seamless transition and, potentially, a resurgence for Busch and Richard Childress Racing. As the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series draws closer, all eyes will be on the partnership between Jim Pohlman and Kyle Busch to see if they can deliver the results fans and the organization expect.
