Richard Petty Points to Key Reason Behind Kyle Busch’s Next-Gen Slump

The Next-Gen car is a massive change from the older generations, lacking downforce. Even Kyle Busch admitted he wasn’t able to figure out the specifics of the Next-Gen car. Interestingly, earlier this year, when Richard Petty joked about having a bad time with the Car of Tomorrow, Rowdy replied to it, saying he had a similar experience with the Next-Gen car.

Richard Petty then laid out why Busch couldn’t excel with the Next-Gen car on the Speed on FOX.

“Kyle could really manhandle a car. You can’t manhandle these cars. So he looks like he’s lost, and I feel for him because he’s got the ability to flat drive a race car. These are not the kind of race cars that he’s used to. It’s a different environment.” 

His last win came in at Gateway in July 2023. Kyle Busch’s performance is under scrutiny majorly because he is currently on a 102-winless streak, currently 27th in the standings.

Kyle Petty Chimes In on Kyle Busch’s Situation

Following the comments made by Denny Hamlin on his podcast about Kyle Busch, Rowdy retaliated. And one member of the Petty family isn’t happy.

During the recent episode of NASCAR Inside the Race, Kyle Petty gave his opinion about the situation.

“I think Kyle Busch’s skin is a little bit thin right now, rightfully so, because he’s not doing anything on the racetrack. He’s doing nothing on the racetrack. If you can’t beat your teammate, keep your mouth shut.”

Kyle Busch’s teammate, Austin Dillon, won at Richmond Raceway in 2025, while Busch has yet to get a win. At the end of this season, Busch will be a free agent.