Kyle Busch's slow start in 2024 more worrying than originally thought

After Kyle Busch's first five NASCAR Cup Series races of the season only brought forth one top-10 result, some fans were worried, but not too concerned about the two-time champion's slow start. Three races later and following consecutive poor performances on short tracks, Busch's slow start is no longer a worrying trend, but a concerning reality. 

Busch finished 20th at Richmond on Easter Sunday and followed that up with a disappointing 16th-place run at Martinsville Speedway this weekend. With such a lack of speed, one has to wonder if there is anything going on behind the scenes at Richard Childress Racing. 

Sunday's 16th-place finish marks the fourth race this season in which the No. 8 team has shown mid-pack speed, with consecutive races earlier in the season at both Phoenix and Bristol also proving that Busch and the No. 8 team have fallen off from their solid performance in 2023. Busch won thrice in the first 15 races of 2023, but the closest he has come to victory in 2024 was in a thrilling three-wide finish at Atlanta. Aside from being the third wheel in NASCAR's viral moment, not much has gone right for the Las Vegas native in 2024. 

Going to Texas next week – and more importantly Talladega the week after – Busch needs to string together solid finishes to reinvigorate his usually rowdy fanbase. Whether it's a win or a string of top fives, the No. 8 team needs a shot in the arm to get back to their usual place atop the Cup Series field. 

Maybe it's just Father Time finally playing it's hand or maybe it's just slow cars, but it's clear that something needs to change if Busch wants to be anywhere near the championship stage come November.