Kyle Busch has stated that he does not feel increased pressure heading into the NASCAR playoffs, despite not having recorded a win this season. Although aware that time is running out to secure a victory, Busch remains calm and focused on performing well as the postseason approaches.
This season has been challenging for Busch, who has yet to claim a race win and currently holds only two top-five finishes alongside seven top-10s. Entering the year with the longest winless streak of his career, he has struggled to consistently reach the front of the pack. His last Cup Series triumph was in June 2023.
At the Circuit of The Americas in March, Busch led 42 laps but was unable to maintain his position late in the race. Over 24 races this year, his average starting and finishing positions stand at 16.24 and 17.625 respectively, while leading a total of 62 laps in the season so far.
Speaking with Bob Pockrass, Busch remarked:
“We just know time’s running out, but I don’t think the pressure is any greater. It’s just a matter of being able to get it done. And right now is the best time, you know. So you can go try to prepare for a championship. I’m not stressed out over it. We go into each weekend with the mindset to try to go out and win.”
—Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver
Busch currently sits over 100 points below the playoff cutoff before the Richmond race weekend, putting his postseason hopes in jeopardy. Nevertheless, he remains confident in his ability to improve and maintain consistency. With a record 232 wins across NASCAR‘s three major series, he continues to be a significant competitor despite still pursuing his third Cup Series championship.
Kyle Busch Voices Concerns Over NASCAR’s Race Scheduling and Venue Changes
Kyle Busch has openly criticized NASCAR’s current scheduling decisions, particularly the allocation of two race dates to Las Vegas Motor Speedway, his hometown track, while other tracks lose events. Busch expressed that while he cares deeply about Vegas, he questions the necessity of hosting two races there unless the venue can consistently fill grandstands.
In comments made to Frontstretch, Busch said:
“I have kind of said it for a few years that if you’re not packing the grandstands and selling out every single time, then you only need one date, you know?”
—Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver
“As much as I love Vegas and Vegas is my hometown, I don’t think Vegas needs two dates. Definitely some other places that can utilize a date and have an opportunity to keep their places alive,”
—Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver
Looking ahead to 2026, NASCAR plans to keep flagship events like the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, and the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The addition of new venues, including a street race in San Diego, signals NASCAR’s goal of modernizing the schedule and attracting new audiences by expanding to new markets.
Kyle Busch’s perspective highlights ongoing debates within NASCAR about balancing tradition with innovation, as the sport adapts to shifting fan interests and seeks to maintain the vitality of various tracks nationwide.