Kyle Busch is anticipating a fresh start with Jim Pohlman as his new crew chief after another winless NASCAR Cup Series season for Richard Childress Racing. The upcoming partnership is set to be a focal point for the team’s hopes in the next racing season, with the Kyle Busch new crew chief development drawing attention across the garage.
Recent Struggles Define Busch’s Tenure at Richard Childress Racing
Busch, a veteran driver from Las Vegas, closed out his second consecutive Cup Series season without a win, marking a challenging chapter with Richard Childress Racing. He achieved his last victory at Gateway in 2023, but this year he struggled to maintain a competitive edge, finishing the season with an average placing of 17.9 across 36 races. Only three top-five finishes—including a strong fifth place at the season-ending event in Phoenix—offered bright spots in an otherwise difficult campaign.
Adding to the challenges, Busch has spent fewer than 100 laps at the front this season. His teammate, Austin Dillon, managed a more successful year by qualifying for the playoffs and winning at Richmond, highlighting the contrast in performance within RCR. As the team looks to rebound, Busch has joined a short list of Cup drivers who have faced notable downturns this year.
Busch Reflects and Looks Ahead After Phoenix Performance
Despite a tough season, Busch finished on a positive note at Phoenix and shared his mindset in an interview broadcast on SiriusXM NASCAR radio, where he discussed the role of crew adjustments and his anticipation for working with Jim Pohlman.
“You know we took two tires there at the end and that gave us the track position there and the final restart but good adjustments, you know thanks to Andy Street for filling in the last few weeks it was really good to come out of here on a high note and get a good solid finish to end the season so something to build off of for sure and. Excited for Jim Pohlman to start and get ready for the day.”
– Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver
Jim Pohlman’s Arrival Sparks Hope Inside RCR
The team changes come after Busch parted ways with his previous crew chief Randall Burnett, who has moved on to oversee Connor Zilisch at Trackhouse Racing. With Andy Street stepping in on an interim basis, the focus now shifts to Jim Pohlman, who brings recent success and fresh energy to Busch’s side. Having served as Justin Allgaier‘s crew chief and led him to a 2024 Xfinity Series title, Pohlman is recognized for his strategic mind and history of elevating teams to contention.
Austin Dillon highlighted Pohlman’s research and development background at RCR as a critical factor in his selection. Busch has welcomed the new collaboration, expressing his optimism about Pohlman’s impact not only for the No. 8 car but also for the organization at large.
“Hopefully he’s the guy that can help lead us in the right direction with not just the eight car but also RCR as a whole. He gave me a little bit of personality traits from what I’ve had from others previously. You know, a little mix of a couple that I really enjoyed working with and had some great success with,” he said via X/Bob Pockrass.
– Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver
Pohlman’s Track Record Brings Anticipation
Although Jim Pohlman has yet to serve as a Cup Series crew chief, his resume includes three consecutive final-four appearances with Allgaier and noticeable effectiveness in the Xfinity Series. As Busch and Pohlman team up for the coming season, their alliance could usher in a new era for Richard Childress Racing, particularly as the team strives to regain its competitive form.
The new crew chief dynamic brings heightened expectations for both Busch and RCR, as the organization aims to return to victory lane and challenge for playoff spots. With the Xfinity Series triumph fresh in memory and operational knowledge of RCR, Pohlman’s approach is expected to create renewed energy and potentially deliver the results the team seeks.
As the next season approaches, all eyes will be on the chemistry between Kyle Busch and his new crew chief—a partnership that could shape RCR’s ambitions and the driver’s path back to the winner’s circle.
.@KyleBusch was super happy to end the season with some momentum and score his third top 5 of the season for @RCRracing.
📈 "It feels good to end the season on a high note." pic.twitter.com/XEJg1nkVZE
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) November 3, 2025
