Is Kyle Busch’s Time at Richard Childress Racing Already Running Out of Gas?

It’s hard to watch. For a driver who has defined a generation of NASCAR, seeing Kyle Busch struggle like this feels wrong. The man they call “Rowdy” has been anything but. He’s been lost, frustrated, and, frankly, a non-factor for what feels like an eternity. We’re talking about a two-time Cup Series champion, a driver who, for 19 straight years, found a way to win at least one race. That streak is dead. And now, as he slogs through one of the worst slumps of his career, the ground beneath his feet at Richard Childress Racing seems to be shifting.

The latest tremor? A rumor that his crew chief, Randall Burnett, is looking for the exit door after the 2025 season. This isn’t just some pit-road gossip; it’s a potential earthquake for the No. 8 team. Burnett has been the one constant, the voice in Busch’s ear since he made the shocking move from Joe Gibbs Racing. If he leaves, what does that say about the state of affairs at RCR? It feels like another nail in a coffin that we all hope isn’t being built.

What’s Going On with Kyle Busch and RCR?

When Kyle Busch joined Richard Childress Racing in 2023, it was a shot in the arm for the entire sport. It was a blockbuster move, pairing one of NASCAR’s most polarizing and talented drivers with a legendary, old-school team owner. And at first, it was magic. Busch rattled off three wins, looked rejuvenated, and seemed poised to make a serious championship run. It felt like the perfect second act for a Hall of Fame career.

But the magic has faded. Since that win at Gateway in June 2023, Victory Lane has been a foreign country. He’s missed the playoffs for two straight seasons. For a driver of Busch’s caliber, that’s not just a slump; it’s a historic career low. The fire, the swagger, the sheer will to win that made him “Rowdy” seems to have been extinguished by a constant barrage of on-track struggles and bad luck.

Now, with the rumor of Burnett’s departure, you have to wonder what’s really going on behind the scenes. Crew chiefs don’t just walk away from top-tier drivers unless there’s a serious disconnect or a better opportunity elsewhere. The timing of this rumor only adds fuel to the fire, suggesting that the frustration we see on the track might be just the tip of the iceberg.

How a Potential Playoff Change Could Impact Busch

As if the drama at RCR wasn’t enough, NASCAR is once again tinkering with the playoff format. The latest proposal suggests a shift to a 3-3-4 structure for 2026, which would expand the final championship round from a single, winner-take-all race to a four-race fight for the title.

When asked about it, Busch’s response was… well, it was classic, unfiltered Busch. “I mean, I haven’t been in the playoffs in a few years, so it’d be nice to get back to the playoffs,” he said, the frustration audible in his voice. He’s not wrong. It’s tough to worry about the format when you can’t even get a ticket to the dance.

He went on to say that no matter the system, the goal is the same: “If you know what it is going in, exploit it the way you need to exploit it for yourself to make a championship.” It’s a pragmatic, almost weary take from a driver who has seen it all. But you can’t help but feel the sting behind his words. The playoffs are the main event, and for two years, one of the sport’s biggest stars has been on the outside looking in.

Where Does Kyle Busch Go From Here?

This is the million-dollar question. Can Busch and RCR turn this ship around? Or is this partnership, which started with so much promise, destined to be a short-lived “what if?” The departure of a key ally like Burnett would be a significant blow, forcing Busch to establish a new relationship while searching for the speed that has been missing for over a year.

For the fans, it’s a painful watch. Whether you love him or hate him, a competitive Kyle Busch is good for NASCAR. He moves the needle. He creates drama. He races with an undeniable passion. Seeing him languish mid-pack, race after race, feels unnatural.

Final Thoughts

The season isn’t over, and there are still chances to steal a win and build some momentum. But the clock is ticking. The pressure is mounting. And for Kyle Busch, the road back to the top looks longer and more uncertain than ever before. We can only hope he finds his way, because a quiet “Rowdy” is something NASCAR can’t afford.