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Kyle Busch Announcement Cements his Future Plans with NASCAR

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ryan White | Last updated May 25, 2025 12:10 PM ET

Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch will remain with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) for the 2026 season, with the team confirming earlier today at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Busch, who recently turned 40 years old, currently sits 17th in the Cup Series driver standings, which would just miss the cutoff for the playoffs. Despite being winless since June 2023, he’s consistently very competitive and has been extremely close to victory lane on multiple occasions.

Busch still leads all active drivers with 63 wins in the Cup Series, including the 2018 Coca-Cola 600 and two Brickyard 400s and expressed optimism about the deal following the announcement.

Excited to fight with the team for another yr! https://t.co/DY4L3yDwhi
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) May 24, 2025

"Kyle has been great to work with,” team owner Richard Childress said.

Busch joined RCR in 2023 following a 15-year tenure with Joe Gibbs Racing. He made an immediate impression, winning three races in his first season—Auto Club, Talladega, and Gateway—which was RCR's best showing since 2013.

However, 2024 was a career-worst season, as the driver of the No. 8 Chevrolet went winless for the first time and finished 20th in points. After a disappointing season from the team, RCR hired Richard Boswell as Austin Dillon’s crew chief and appointed a new technical director, John Klausmeier.

Although Austin Dillon was the last driver to see victory lane, Busch still belongs in the elite class of racers. With his proven talent and a new staff, there’s always a chance and Childress is very confident moving forward.

“I like drivers that don’t like to lose,” he said during a press conference. “I still think we can win Kyle a championship… his career is nowhere close to being over.”

.@KyleBusch will stay with @RCRracing for 2026.

“I like drivers that don’t like to lose… I still think we can win Kyle a championship…his career is nowhere close to being over” says Richard Childress. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/K5GgeIPDof
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) May 24, 2025

In today's playoff format, a singular victory can change a season. Busch remains a threat at tracks coming up like tomorrow at Charlotte, Chicago, Dover, and Richmond, so don't be surprised if the veteran goes on a hot streak to end the regular season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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