Kyle Busch is gearing up for his 22nd full-time season in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026, seeking to rekindle his winning form after a challenging period. The driver of the #8 car, with 63 career Cup victories and two championships, has not secured a win since June 2023 and missed the playoffs in the past two seasons. As Busch approaches 40 years of age, his contract situation with Richard Childress Racing remains undecided, adding another layer of uncertainty to his plans beyond 2026.
Before the start of the upcoming season, Busch sat down with FOX motorsports reporter Bob Pockrass to talk about his expectations for 2026 and what his future in NASCAR might hold.
Kyle Busch Sets Sights on Returning to Victory Lane in 2026
After joining Richard Childress Racing (RCR) ahead of the 2023 season, Busch initially showed promise with three wins in his first 15 races. However, the Las Vegas native has struggled to maintain that momentum since. Winning remains a top priority for Busch, whose competitive spirit drives him to seek success on the track as a key factor in his decision to continue with RCR after 2026.
You’ve got to get back to victory lane. It’s all about winning races, it’s all about being able to capitalize on those days, and having a good team around you. You win from top to bottom, so looking forward to seeing what [crew chief Jim Pohlman] has for us and what we can do with that,
Busch said.
Busch also emphasized the importance of patience, explaining that early-season results won’t fully reveal the team’s standing. He identified the Coca-Cola 600 in May as a pivotal point for assessing their performance and positioning within the season.
I’ve always kinda said once you get to the Coke 600, that’s sorta where you’ll fall in the season and where your points are and where you kinda stack up. You can go about one or two places higher or lower than where you’re at currently. I would say that would be a good time to start judging,
he added.
Busch Adopts a Calm Outlook on His NASCAR Future
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his driving prospects for 2027, Busch remains composed and focused on the present season. He explained that worrying about uncontrollable factors is unproductive, underlining his philosophy of focusing on what he can influence and leaving the rest to fate.
I don’t really worry. It kinda is what it is. I’ve always told Samantha [Busch] the same thing. You can’t worry about things you can’t control. All you can do is go out there and do what you can do and the good Lord will take care of the rest. If I’m here in the future, great,
Busch shared.
Busch’s career includes a successful 15-season stint with Joe Gibbs Racing from 2008 to 2022, during which he scored 56 wins and captured his championships in 2015 and 2019 behind the wheel of the #18 car. His move to Richard Childress Racing marked a new chapter, but his quest for victory has faced hurdles.
Looking Ahead: Busch’s Track Record and Upcoming Challenges
In February 2026, Busch will compete in his 21st Daytona 500, a race he has yet to win despite a runner-up finish in 2019. As one of NASCAR’s most experienced and accomplished drivers, Busch’s performance this season will be closely watched by fans and teams alike, as it could determine his future in the sport.
The outcome of the 2026 season will not only shape Busch’s legacy but also influence how Richard Childress Racing plans its driver lineup. With a storied career behind him, Busch remains hopeful about finding success once again and securing his place in NASCAR’s competitive landscape.
Kyle Busch enters 2026 in another contract year. Busch on whether he's stressed, what he wants to see that would keep him at RCR, how close he feels they are to winning and where new crew chief Jim Pohlman can help the most (this interview was done before the Clash). @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/MKccxzr8u7
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 9, 2026
