Kyle Busch is aiming to break his Kyle Busch winless streak at the Phoenix season finale, hoping to secure a much-needed victory for Richard Childress Racing. After a 13th-place result at Martinsville Speedway highlighted recent struggles, Busch remains intent on turning things around at Phoenix and delivering a win for his team.
Recent Performance Shows Determination to End Drought
Busch finished 13th at Martinsville after starting inside the top ten during Sunday’s Xfinity 500, ultimately overtaking his Richard Childress Racing teammate Austin Dillon in the closing laps. The result follows a pattern this season, where flashes of performance have been offset by inconsistent finishes, with only a handful of top-10 results since his last win at the 2023 Enjoy Illinois 300 in Gateway.
The No. 8 Chevrolet driver began the Martinsville race from seventh position but faced challenges throughout both stages, falling back into the pack before regaining momentum in the final run. In an interview following the race, Busch shared his resolve to snap the team’s winless spell and finish the year on a high note at Phoenix.
“After a strong qualifying effort with the No. 8 Chevrolet, we battled a tight center that led us to go a lap down early in the race. The entire Richard Childress Racing team made adjustments throughout the race that not only got us back on the lead lap but had us inside the top 10 at race’s end. We leave Martinsville Speedway with a 13th-place finish, and will look to Phoenix next week with our focus on concluding the season with a win.”
– Kyle Busch, Driver, Richard Childress Racing
Changes in Leadership Bring New Hope
The 2024 season has also seen considerable changes for Busch behind the scenes. After crew chief Randall Burnett transitioned to a supporting position ahead of a planned move to Trackhouse Racing in 2026, Andy Street stepped in as interim crew chief for the No. 8 team. Looking ahead, Richard Childress Racing has selected Jim Pohlman as the new full-time crew chief who will take over in 2026.
Jim Pohlman’s Vision for Success
Pohlman, currently working with JR Motorsports and Justin Allgaier, celebrated the 2024 Xfinity Series title and is continuing his winning ways by reaching the series’ final four. Busch has expressed optimism about the collaboration, highlighting similarities in approach that recall successful partnerships from his past.
Pohlman, for his part, expressed readiness to help steer RCR back to victory as he transitions from research and development into a full leadership role, even as he manages a Next Gen car for the first time.
“I feel like I can come in, help lead the company, and do the things they ask me to do—just bring the right mentality. I think the biggest thing in this sport is having your headspace right, being focused on your own stuff and what you have to do. So yeah, I am definitely looking forward to getting in there and getting to work this winter,” Pohlman said via X/Matt Weaver.
Despite Pohlman’s limited experience directly managing a Next Gen car, Busch and the RCR organization convey confidence that he can invigorate the No.8 team heading into the future.
Significance of Phoenix and the Road Ahead
As the team approaches the Phoenix finale, ending the Kyle Busch winless streak is more than just another goal—it represents a revival for Busch, the crew, and Richard Childress Racing. The addition of Jim Pohlman marks a new chapter of optimism, matching the driver’s tenacity with renewed leadership vision. Fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see if Phoenix will be the turning point that reestablishes Busch and RCR as frontrunners in NASCAR’s top series.
