Kyle Busch is a name synonymous with NASCAR greatness. With 63 career wins, two Cup Series championships (2015, 2019), and an undeniable Hall of Fame ticket, Busch’s legacy is cemented in the annals of the sport. Yet, despite his staggering résumé, there’s one glaring omission: The Daytona 500 trophy.
As NASCAR’s biggest stage looms just 30 days away, oddsmakers have pegged Busch as a front-runner to claim the Harley J. Earl Trophy in 2025, a feat that could finally fill the void in his otherwise illustrious career. But can “Rowdy” truly break his Daytona curse?
The elusive Daytona 500: Why it matters
For all his accolades, the lack of a Daytona 500 win casts a shadow over Busch’s legacy. NASCAR’s crown jewel is more than just another race—it’s a career-defining achievement. Legends like Dale Earnhardt had to fight their entire careers for this glory, and others like Mark Martin and Martin Truex Jr. retired without it, despite stellar careers.
Without a Daytona 500 win, Busch’s career, while elite, feels unfinished. The trophy isn’t just symbolic; it’s the missing puzzle piece that validates a driver’s greatness on the sport’s most iconic stage.
Why 2025 could be different
Oddsmakers at DraftKings Sportsbook have Busch tied with Brad Keselowski at +1200 odds to win this year’s Daytona 500. While his past on superspeedways (just three career wins, including Daytona in 2008) doesn’t scream dominance, recent performances suggest a potential breakthrough.
In 2024, Busch’s superspeedway form was nothing short of stellar:
- Daytona (Spring): Finished second after an epic battle with Harrison Burton.
- Darlington (Spring): Another second-place finish, narrowly edged out by Chase Briscoe.
- Atlanta: Claimed a strong third-place finish on a superspeedway-style layout.
His ability to consistently place himself in contention, coupled with the fine-tuning of Richard Childress Racing’s superspeedway program, makes him a serious threat.
The battle of the bridesmaids: Keselowski vs. Busch
Adding to the intrigue, Brad Keselowski, a fellow superspeedway ace and Daytona 500 hopeful, poses a significant challenge. Keselowski’s 2024 performances mirror Busch’s in consistency and near-misses:
- Talladega (both races): Runner-up finishes in both events.
- Darlington (Spring): Clinched victory.
Like Busch, Keselowski is chasing his first Daytona 500 win. A battle between these two veterans—both determined to erase the “but never won Daytona” asterisk from their legacies—could define the 2025 race.
Why Busch might finally break through
- Experience and strategy: After nearly two decades in NASCAR, Busch’s racecraft is unmatched. He’s learned from years of heartbreak at Daytona and knows how to position himself in the closing laps.
- Momentum: RCR’s performance on superspeedways has improved significantly, as evidenced by Busch’s near wins in 2024.
- Hungry for redemption: Busch has repeatedly come close to superspeedway victories in recent years. With his Daytona drought weighing heavy, there’s no doubt he’s laser-focused on seizing the opportunity.
The stakes for Kyle Busch
For Busch, 2025 is more than just another season opener. It’s a chance to cement his name among the sport’s most complete legends. A Daytona 500 victory would elevate him from being one of NASCAR’s greatest to a true immortal, silencing any critics who dare question his legacy.
And for fans, a win for Busch at Daytona wouldn’t just be a milestone—it would be a celebration of perseverance, talent, and the culmination of a career that has already given the sport so much.
The only question is, will this finally be Rowdy’s year?