Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing announce contract extension through 2026

Much has been made about Kyle Busch’s future with Richard Childress Racing, and whether he’d opt to continue his career in the NASCAR Cup Series elsewhere after the 2025 season came to an end. Well, that won’t be the case.

The iconic race team and legendary driver will be sticking together. Ahead of the Coca-Cola 600 this weekend, Busch and RCR announced they’ve agreed to a contract extension that’ll keep the two-time champion with the team through 2026.

The revelation was made on Saturday morning. Let the speculation end: “Richard Childress Racing and Kyle Busch have finalized a contract extension that positions the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion as driver of the No. 8 Chevrolet through 2026,” RCR revealed in a press release, “continuing a partnership that combines one of the NASCAR industry’s most storied teams with one of the sports’ most successful modern era drivers.”

While Busch’s time at RCR started with a bang, winning three races during the first half of the 2023 season, he’s been quiet ever since. The No. 8 Chevrolet team has struggled, but it’s evident the partners believe they can return to their successful ways moving forward.

“We’re proud to continue our relationship with Kyle Busch and remain focused on our shared goals of winning races and championships together,” said Richard Childress, Chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing, via press release. “Kyle is a tremendous racer and ambassador of the sport for our fans and partners. Everyone at RCR is committed to putting the pieces in place to enhance the competition side of our business.”

As for the other team at RCR, Austin Dillon will remain in the No. 3, and they’ll continue to roll out a two-car lineup in 2026, the press release revealed. Busch is ready to get down to business, and continue his journey at RCR, which he called incomplete at the moment.

“It’s an honor to race for Richard Childress, our partners, and team Chevy fans,” Busch added. “I feel like my family and I have found a home at RCR, and it means a lot that Richard continues to put his trust into me. My chapter at RCR is not yet complete, and I know we are building something special here.

“I remain focused on adding more wins and a championship to our collective resumes. I want to thank Richard for the steps he is taking to help put all of the necessary pieces into place to give us a legitimate shot at a championship.”

Alas, the team’s sponsor lineup will be announced at a later date, but Kyle Busch is locked in for 2026 at Richard Childress Racing. We’ll see if it’s a fruitful partnership, or if the No. 8 team is destined to repeat the failures of the last couple of months moving forward.