Dale Earnhardt Jr. shows concern for Kyle Busch following Phoenix finish

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is wondering what’s been up with Kyle Busch thus far though the first four races of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series campaign.

During the latest episode of The Dale Jr Download, the NASCAR Hall of Famer spoke on a number of drivers and where they currently stand, and when Earnhardt Jr. got to the driver of the No. 8, he showed some serious concern for the way Busch has been performing.

“Interesting to see Kyle Busch struggle this past weekend,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “I thought that was, obviously you know, we expect Kyle Busch to run really well. I know that RCR is going to be that hot and cold sort of team. But that I only bring it up as to say, me personally, I’m going to be watching Kyle a little closer, to see if this is just a blip, or a fluke, or if this is a trend.

“That this team has lost a little bit from the last year. So I’ll pay attention to that going forward in the next several races.”

At Phoenix, Busch came home P22, but he never was a real factor throughout the afternoon. The veteran wheelman started his tenure at Richard Childress Racing last season with so much promise, but it’s been a constant disappointment since about midway through the 2023 campaign.

Moving forward, it’s evident Earnhardt Jr. will be paying closer attention to the way the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion performs. Busch has become one of the sport’s all-time greats over the course of his time behind the wheel, and at only 38-years-old, many expect to him race well beyond a couple more years.

Busch has major aspirations, as well. He wants to continue climbing up the all-time win list, as he currently has 63 Cup Series wins to his name. Additionally, a third championship would move him into uncharted waters, further in-line with the sport’s best of all time.

Additionally, Busch is seemingly more motivated since parting ways with Joe Gibbs Racing. He wants to prove he can still get the job done, as JGR decided to move on from their long-standing tenure, opting to put Ty Gibbs in a rebranded No. 54 Toyota.

Alas, it remains to be seen if Kyle Busch can figure out what’s been ailing his No. 8 team, but the veteran will be looking to get back to the top of his game in short order, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. watching with a close eye to see how he does it.