Kyle Busch’s new crew chief, Jim Pohlman, is working to break Busch’s lengthy winless spell as the next NASCAR Cup Series season approaches. The appointment comes after nearly three years without a win for Busch, underscoring the sense of urgency at Richard Childress Racing to return to form and to the winner’s circle.
Jim Pohlman Steps In, Bringing Extensive Experience
After 93 winless races, the pressure on both Busch and his team led to the decision to bring Jim Pohlman on board as crew chief. Pohlman, who recently guided Justin Allgaier to an Xfinity Series championship in 2024, joins Richard Childress Racing (RCR) with a reputation for innovation and leadership. His career includes a significant stint at Chip Ganassi Racing, where he focused on developing and testing the Next Gen race car—experience that will be crucial as the Cup Series evolves.
Pohlman’s resume extends back over 15 years, spanning various engineering and research roles during pivotal shifts in NASCAR technology. This diverse experience gives RCR confidence that Pohlman can help Busch find the edge that made him a 63-race winner in his storied career.
Pohlman’s Motivation and Achievements in Racing
From the moment the deal was announced, Pohlman made clear that his primary goal is to lead Busch, known to fans as “Rowdy,” back to the top ranks. As the new season draws near, Pohlman’s intensity is evident, and he’s not shy about his ambitions or past accomplishments.
“He’s passionate. I’m passionate. The end goal is that he wants to win races, and he wants to win races at RCR, and he was crystal clear about that. I think I’m most excited about having a future Hall of Fame driver,”
Pohlman told Racer.com.
Pohlman’s pride in his varied career is unmistakable. He is particularly fond of his success at the World Pit Crew Challenge and often cites this achievement as a source of pride.
“One of the things you can put on there is I won the last World Pit Crew Challenge championship at Rockingham with the [No.] 9 car,”
Pohlman tells RACER.
“I call it the last real one because all the ones in the stadium weren’t really the same. We need to bring it back. But, anyway, that was a big pride thing,”
he said.
Strategic Changes for RCR and What Lies Ahead
Pohlman is known for his hands-on management style and is expected to set a fresh tone within the team. He recognizes the task ahead—helping Busch overcome a challenging period and steering the team back to consistent top-level performance. With Pohlman’s technical know-how and drive, RCR hopes to reverse the recent struggles and reestablish itself as a Cup Series powerhouse.
Pohlman’s approach is measured, emphasizing progress step by step rather than dramatic overhauls. He understands the weight of the moment but welcomes it as an opportunity to showcase his skill and partnership with Busch. This change signals a notable shift in strategy for RCR as they hope to leverage Pohlman’s extensive NASCAR experience to reignite their competitive spirit.
As the team prepares for the 2026 season, all eyes will be on whether the appointment of Jim Pohlman as Kyle Busch’s new crew chief will mark the return of victories for one of NASCAR’s most talked-about drivers. Fans and industry watchers alike await to see if this move can finally put an end to Busch’s frustrating drought and restore both the driver and RCR to their former glory.
