NASCAR has announced a major change in its 2026 schedule, moving the street race venue from Chicago to Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. This change coincides with celebrations for America’s 250th birthday, making the event particularly significant. The change and its fallout have stirred controversy, especially around Kyle Busch, who was noticeably left out of NASCAR’s large-scale commercial promoting the new San Diego race.
Kyle Busch Reacts to Exclusion from NASCAR’s Anniversary Campaign
Kyle Busch expressed disappointment over not being included in NASCAR’s recent commercial that showcased prominent drivers marking America’s milestone anniversary. On The Pat McAfee Show, he plainly stated, “I wasn’t invited.” The exclusion drew a sharp reaction from Pat McAfee himself, who exclaimed, “No,” before adding,
They are always against you, KY. They are always against the rowdy one.
Busch’s nickname “Rowdy” traces back to his early days in the NASCAR Truck Series, a story he shared on the show.
How the ‘Rowdy’ Nickname Came to Define Kyle Busch’s Racing Persona
Busch recalled the origins of his well-known “Rowdy” nickname, explaining that Billy, who ran his first truck numbered 15, asked what number Busch would prefer for a second truck. Busch suggested reversing 15 to 51, and because the trucks were black, they painted “Rowdy Busch” across it. He said,
I used to run his first truck, which was No. 15, and when Billy wanted to run a second truck in a few races, he asked me what number I’d want to run. So, I told him to just reverse the 15 and make it 51. All his trucks were already painted black, and we put Rowdy Busch over the, and that’s sort of where it came from,
highlighting how the nickname stuck with him through his career.
Kyle Busch’s Legacy Despite NASCAR’s Apparent Distance
Despite his exclusion from the San Diego promotional campaign, Busch’s career remains remarkable. He is known for his tenacity on the track, holding records such as sweeping wins from the pole position across two different seasons—a feat he was the first to accomplish before Shane van Gisbergen matched it. Fans continue to admire his competitive spirit, making him a central figure in the NASCAR world even amid current controversies.
Implications of the San Diego Race and Busch’s Exclusion
The relocation of the street race to San Diego at the Naval Base Coronado not only marks a fresh chapter for NASCAR but also places a spotlight on how the sport manages its top personalities. Kyle Busch’s absence from the celebration commercial suggests ongoing tensions that could affect relationships between drivers and NASCAR’s leadership. The upcoming San Diego race will be closely watched to see how this dynamic unfolds and whether Busch’s role in the series might shift going forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where will Kyle Busch go in 2026?
A. Kyle Busch will keep racing the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing until the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season ends, he and RCR announced on Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Q. Will Kyle Busch retire?
A. Kyle Busch has decided to stay with Richard Childress Racing until 2026, saying he’s not thinking about retiring soon. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion wants to race with his son Brexton in NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series, which won’t be possible for another six years.