Kyle Busch’s NASCAR winless streak continues to challenge his standing as one of the sport’s most successful drivers, casting doubt over his ability to secure a playoff spot in the 2025 season. Despite joining Richard Childress Racing in 2023 and showing strong determination, Busch is facing a prolonged period without victories that threatens his competitive edge.
Current Status of Kyle Busch’s NASCAR Winless Streak
Kyle Busch, NASCAR’s winningest driver with 63 career wins, has now endured a lengthy drought of 76 races without a victory. After achieving his last win on June 4, 2023, at the World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, Busch entered the 2024 season with high hopes but finished 20th in the standings and recorded his lowest number of laps led in a full Cup Series campaign. As the 2025 season unfolds, Busch remains in a difficult position, sitting 46 points below the playoff cutline and needing a victory in the seven remaining regular-season races to qualify for the postseason.
Busch’s struggles have been evident in races such as the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, where an early collision and subsequent handling issues hindered his performance. The frustration was clear during the race when Busch radioed in about problems with his car’s turning ability. Despite these setbacks, Busch remains committed to improving the team’s speed and consistency. He shared,
I think the speed has been there. More and more we continue to work on that and get that closer to where it’s consistent speed. I feel like there’s times in the race where we do have top speed, but it’s not the whole race. So we’ve got to work on beginning to end and being able to put everything together.
—Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver
In 2025, Busch’s record includes two Did Not Finishes (DNFs), two Top 5 finishes, and six Top 10 finishes out of 19 races. Additionally, his early exit from the inaugural NASCAR In-Season Challenge after losing to Brad Keselowski in the first round highlights ongoing competitive difficulties. These results have fueled questions about Busch’s current form and his team’s ability to support a return to victory lane.
Team Changes and Future Prospects at Richard Childress Racing
Despite the challenges, Busch secured a contract extension with Richard Childress Racing (RCR), committing to drive the #8 Chevrolet through the 2026 season. This decision reflects the team’s faith in Busch’s talent and potential to reclaim a winning edge. Team owner Richard Childress expressed optimism about the future, stating,
I love a driver that doesn’t like to lose, and we’ve worked hard. We’ve got some exciting things coming up.
—Richard Childress, RCR team owner
RCR is undertaking strategic changes to enhance its competitive stance. This includes promoting Mike Verlander to team president and bringing in technical director John Klausmeier and crew chief Richard Boswell. These moves aim to improve resources and performance, giving Busch and other drivers better opportunities to contend effectively throughout the season.
Fan Reactions and Doubts About Busch’s Playoff Chances
The continuing slump in Busch’s performance has visibly affected fan sentiment, with many expressing skepticism about his chances of achieving wins or qualifying for the playoffs in 2025. Social media platforms such as Reddit and X have become outlets for disappointment and debate among NASCAR supporters. Some fans argue that Busch’s remaining chances to claim a win are narrowing as the regular season approaches its end. One fan commented,
Richmond and Daytona are his last, best chances I’d say. I don’t think it’s happening.
—NASCAR fan
These comments refer to Busch’s historical success at Richmond Raceway and Daytona International Speedway, where he has accumulated multiple wins. However, the 2025 schedule places these as the final two regular-season events, making them critical opportunities for Busch to reverse his fortunes. Others contend that Busch’s team, RCR, might be prioritizing other drivers‘ setups, hindering his ability to secure victories. One social media user noted,
Would be great if RCR gives him the cheat code set up ADillon had last year. But we all know pop pop would choose Austin…
—NASCAR fan
Comparing Busch with Teammate Austin Dillon
Some fans believe Austin Dillon, the grandson of team owner Richard Childress, receives preferential treatment in equipment and team focus. Dillon, driving the iconic #3 car, has captured notable victories including the 2018 Daytona 500 and the 2017 Coca-Cola 600. His performances at short tracks have sometimes outpaced Busch’s recent results, sparking further debate. One fan remarked,
Daytona or a road course. I honestly argue that Austin Dillon has been better than Kyle at some short tracks since joining RCR especially Bristol,
—NASCAR fan
Although Busch boasts nine Cup Series wins at Bristol Motor Speedway, his shift to RCR has seen a decline in dominance at certain venues. For example, at the 2025 Food City 500 in Bristol, Dillon managed a top-10 finish while Busch placed 14th. These comparisons have intensified speculation about Busch’s place within RCR and overall competitiveness in the field.
Uncertain Road Ahead for Kyle Busch
Many NASCAR enthusiasts now confront the possibility that Busch’s prime racing days may be behind him, although his legacy remains impressive. As the 2025 season draws to a close, the question remains whether Busch can break his extended winless streak and make a late playoff push or if his career will gradually wind down without the resurgence that fans once anticipated. Reflecting on Busch’s situation, a fan invoked a famous quote,
To quote the great Muhammed Ali, He’s got 2 chances, slim and none and slim’s leaving town.
—NASCAR fan
Busch’s commitment to turning his season around and the organizational efforts underway at Richard Childress Racing offer some hope. Yet the next few races at Richmond and Daytona will be pivotal in determining if Busch can rekindle the form that once made him one of NASCAR’s most prolific winners or if the current winless stretch marks a decline difficult to reverse.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where will Kyle Busch go in 2026?
A. Kyle Busch will stay with Richard Childress Racing until the end of the 2026 season.
Both Busch and RCR confirmed on Saturday that he will drive the No. 8 Chevrolet during this time. The announcement occurred at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina.
Q. Why is Kyle Busch so famous?
A. He is seen as one of the top drivers of his time and in NASCAR’s history. He is famous for his success in the sport’s main three series. Additionally, Busch once briefly held the WWE 24/7 Championship.
Q. Will Kyle Busch retire?
A. Kyle Busch plans to keep racing and isn’t thinking about retirement yet. He has renewed his deal with Richard Childress Racing until 2026. Busch, who has won the NASCAR Cup Series twice, hopes to compete with his son Brexton in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, which is six years in the future.
Q. Why is Kyle Busch famous?
A. Busch has the highest number of wins in NASCAR’s national series history, totaling 231. This includes 63 in the NASCAR Cup Series, 102 in the Xfinity Series, and 66 in the Truck Series. He has also won races in all three series each year for 10 straight seasons from 2013 to 2022.