Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, enters the 2025 season with more than just wins on the line—it’s his future in the sport that’s under scrutiny. The 39-year-old veteran is coming off the most challenging season of his career, having failed to secure a single win or make the playoffs in 2024. With his contract at Richard Childress Racing (RCR) set to expire at the end of this year, all eyes are on “Rowdy” as he attempts to reclaim his place among NASCAR’s elite.
A nightmare 2024 season
Busch’s 2024 campaign was a season where everything that could go wrong, did. His No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro lacked pace, handling issues plagued his performances, and a string of bad luck added insult to injury. Despite his undeniable talent and relentless efforts, Busch fell short in key moments. He came painfully close to breaking his winless streak several times, including back-to-back runner-up finishes at Darlington and Daytona. At the Ambetter Health 400, Busch lost by an excruciating 0.004 seconds to Daniel Suarez, proving he still has the skill to compete at the highest level but lacked the finishing touch.
The season ended with Busch sitting 20th in the standings—his worst finish since his 2005 rookie year—and marked the end of his remarkable 19-year streak of at least one Cup Series victory per season.
Bob Pockrass: Busch’s future hinges on early 2025 results
With the Daytona 500 looming, NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass has speculated that Busch’s performances in the early months of 2025 could determine whether he remains at RCR beyond this season. Speaking on the Beating and Banging podcast, Pockrass noted:
“When you look at Silly Season, I’m gonna look at Kyle Busch, right? If they perform well off the start, you think, ‘Okay, he’s gonna stay.’ But if they struggle, how much is he going to look around? Where he ends up could be a big storyline by the time we get to April or May.”
RCR, fresh off three underwhelming seasons, faces mounting pressure to deliver results with their star driver. Busch, who joined RCR in 2023 after his high-profile departure from Joe Gibbs Racing, has only managed three wins in two seasons—a far cry from the dominance he enjoyed during his tenure with the powerhouse Toyota team.
Could Busch leave RCR?
If Busch’s struggles continue, the 2025 season may mark the end of his RCR tenure. Although his stock has dipped, his resume as a two-time champion and 60-time Cup Series winner ensures that he remains an attractive option for other teams. Potential suitors could include ambitious outfits like Trackhouse Racing or Spire Motorsports, both of whom are eager to expand their competitive reach.
However, a return to Joe Gibbs Racing or Hendrick Motorsports seems unlikely, given how those bridges have been burned. Busch’s immediate focus will be on finding form with RCR, but if the team fails to provide competitive equipment, “Rowdy” may be forced to explore new opportunities.
Can Busch bounce back?
Despite a lackluster 2024, Busch’s raw talent remains undisputed. He has shown glimpses of his brilliance, such as his ability to lead laps and fight at the front under challenging circumstances. With his championship pedigree and determination, Busch is undoubtedly capable of a comeback.
“Although I still crash a lot, it was less. We were able to put more of the length of a race together. Next year, I’d love to crash even less, lead more laps, and win more races,” Busch said, reflecting on his 2024 struggles.
But NASCAR’s playoff system leaves little room for error, and consistency will be critical if Busch is to re-establish himself as a championship contender.
The stakes couldn’t be higher
For Kyle Busch, the 2025 season represents a crossroads. If he can overcome his recent challenges and deliver strong performances early in the season, he could solidify his legacy at RCR. However, if the struggles persist, Busch may find himself seeking a new home in the Cup Series.
One thing is clear: Kyle Busch’s journey in 2025 is set to be one of NASCAR’s most compelling storylines.