On August 16, 2025, during the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway, Kyle Busch found himself in a significant setback after a crash involving Chase Briscoe led to a large multi-car wreck. Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, was penalized earlier in the race and subsequently became a central figure in a collision that affected over a dozen drivers. The incident occurred during stage two of the 400-lap race, drawing attention from NASCAR insiders and fans alike due to its scale and impact.
Kyle Busch started the race from 28th position, while Chase Briscoe qualified 19th. Despite Busch’s slow start, his frustrations mounted after receiving a penalty for speeding on pit road during the early parts of the race. On lap 198, as the drivers raced on the 0.75-mile track, Busch made contact with Briscoe in turn three. Busch’s #8 Chevy Camaro ZL1 rear-ended Briscoe’s #19 Toyota Camry XSE, causing Briscoe to spin into oncoming traffic. This spin ignited a pile-up that collected 12 cars, including Briscoe’s teammate Denny Hamlin and Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott, who suffered heavy damage and was forced to retire from the race.
Kyle Busch was trailing closely behind Briscoe at the moment of the spin, and his car also collided again with Briscoe’s as the wreck unfolded, heightening the frustration between them and the fallout from the crash. Reflecting on the damage to his vehicle, Busch expressed his irritation, as shared by NASCAR insider Kelly Crandall:
“Kyle Busch after the crash: ‘It’s f*cking killed. The nose is killed.'”
—Kelly Crandall, NASCAR Insider
Kyle Busch’s Previous Challenges at Pocono Highlight Ongoing Struggles
This accident at Richmond was not an isolated event in Kyle Busch’s difficult 2025 season. In June, during the Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway, Busch also experienced a major setback after a spin caused a multi-car crash. While trying to improve his position, Busch was spun on turn two, triggering a crash involving Christopher Bell, Shane van Gisbergen, and Ty Dillon among others. Busch’s #8 Chevy sustained significant damage but he managed to keep the car on the track despite the challenges.
After the Pocono race, Busch detailed the effects of his mishaps, highlighting how traffic issues and penalties hindered his performance. Speaking to NBC Sports, he said:
“Our Chevrolet team worked hard today at Pocono Raceway to overcome obstacles. A speeding penalty on pit road put us behind at the end of Stage 1, then we ended up with heavy damage to our Chevy after spinning towards the end of Stage 2. We just lost the air racing in traffic.”
—Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver
He further acknowledged the efforts of his crew chief and team:
“Crew chief Randall Burnett and the rest of the RCR team worked hard to keep us on the lead lap. Our Chevy was never the same after the spin, and handling was really bad in traffic,”
—Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver
Current Standings and Season Outlook for Kyle Busch
Currently, Kyle Busch ranks 15th in the NASCAR Cup Series points standings, having earned 516 points through 24 races this season. Despite competing fiercely, he has only managed seven top-ten finishes and two top-five placements so far. Notably, he has yet to secure a win this year, which is critical for clinching a playoff berth and ending his winless streak.
Busch’s ongoing challenges at tracks like Richmond and Pocono underline a tough phase in his racing career. The crashes and penalties have raised concerns about his ability to consistently perform at the highest level throughout the 2025 season. His frustrations following the Chase Briscoe crash at Richmond illustrate how much pressure he feels to turn his season around as the competition intensifies.
Implications of the Richmond Crash and What Lies Ahead
The large-scale wreck at Richmond not only disrupted the race but also amplified tensions among drivers involved, including those from Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports. The incident is likely to impact strategies as teams analyze the consequences of racing closely on short tracks. For Kyle Busch, the crash serves as a harsh reminder of how quickly fortunes can change, especially under high-pressure conditions.
As the NASCAR Cup Series progresses, Busch’s ability to recover from setbacks like the Chase Briscoe crash will be critical for his playoff hopes. The damage to his car, penalties, and on-track incidents emphasize the need for a clean, strategic approach in the coming races. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Busch can regain momentum and break his winless streak before the season’s crucial stages.