Kyle Busch 2025 NASCAR struggles have captured attention as the seasoned driver endures a winless streak and faces legal issues heading into the new season. With recent changes at Richard Childress Racing and a lawsuit against a major financial company, Busch’s journey ahead is marked by challenges both on and off the track.
Leadership Changes at Richard Childress Racing Bring Hopes for a Turnaround
Midway through the current NASCAR season, Kyle Busch and crew chief Randall Burnett ended their collaboration at Richard Childress Racing (RCR), creating uncertainty around the team’s direction. RCR recently announced that Jim Pohlman will be stepping into the role of crew chief for the No. 8 team starting in 2026, further fueling anticipation among both fans and the organization.
Pohlman has garnered recognition for his past success in the Xfinity Series, where he worked alongside Justin Allgaier, guiding him to multiple wins and consistent performance improvements. Ahead of his official start as crew chief, Pohlman expressed strong support for Busch, signaling confidence that the veteran driver can reclaim his form and break his winless stretch in the Cup Series.
“I don’t think …. that he’s lost a step. I feel confident, if we can put some good race cars underneath him, he can get the job done. So, yeah, I’m excited to see that fire in him and that passion. I know that he wants to be back there, and it was really clear in all the meetings,”
Pohlman said. — Jim Pohlman, Crew Chief
Ongoing Challenges: Performance Slump and a Prolonged Winless Streak
The drought for Kyle Busch began after his last Cup Series victory at Gateway in June 2023. Since that win, Busch has gone two seasons and 93 races without a triumph, marking the longest winless period of his 22-year career in the premier NASCAR series. The 2024 season added to his frustrations, as he closed the year without a single win and recorded the lowest number of top-five finishes in his career. Busch concluded the season ranked 21st in the point standings, highlighting the depth of his struggles on track.
On several occasions in 2024, Busch came close to tasting victory, with two near-podium finishes at Darlington and Daytona. However, these efforts ultimately left him just short, and late-season performances fell below expectations. In five of his final nine races, he finished outside the top 20, amplifying the intensity of his current slump.
Despite these setbacks, Busch’s commitment to RCR remains firm. In May, he signed a one-year extension that secures his place with the team through the 2026 season. Within the team, there is cautious optimism that improvements will come with fresh leadership and renewed determination.
“He wants to be there, and if we perform next year, he’s going to continue to be there. That’s the way I look at it, too. It’s a performance-based industry, and if you’re not performing, why would you want to be there?”
Pohlman added. — Jim Pohlman, Crew Chief
Key Highlights and Performance Gaps in the 2024 Season
Despite early signs of promise, including three top-10 finishes in the opening four races of 2024 and a race-leading 42 laps at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Busch struggled to find consistency. He achieved top-five results at the Chicago Street Race and the season finale in Phoenix, but the team’s car often failed to deliver the speed needed to contend for victory over the long haul. In the final segment of the season, Busch notched just two top-10s in his last nine outings, falling behind key competitors such as his RCR teammate Austin Dillon, who managed to secure a win at Richmond and qualified for the playoffs.
Legal Troubles Add to an Already Difficult Season
Off the track, Busch’s challenges have been exacerbated by a recent legal battle. Earlier this month, the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and his wife, Samantha Busch, filed a lawsuit against Pacific Life. The couple alleges that they paid about $10.4 million in premiums for indexed universal life insurance policies and have suffered more than $8.58 million in losses. The dispute over these financial products introduces a significant off-track issue during an already difficult period in Busch’s career.
Looking Ahead: Can Busch Rebound in 2025?
Kyle Busch now enters the 2025 season under mounting pressure to reverse his fortunes both on and off the racetrack. The upcoming partnership with crew chief Jim Pohlman aims to inject new hope into the No. 8 team at RCR after a lengthy winless spell. Meanwhile, the lawsuit against Pacific Life and challenges surrounding insurance investments add uncertainty to his personal and professional landscape. Fans and the NASCAR community alike will watch to see whether Busch can overcome these obstacles and reestablish himself as a contender in the Cup Series.
