Spire Motorsports has announced that Kyle Busch will compete in an extended eight-race schedule in the 2026 Truck Series, with HendrickCars.com serving as the primary sponsor. The plan includes stops at Bristol, Texas, Dover, Atlanta, Charlotte, North Wilkesboro, Nashville, and Richmond, marking a significant return for the two-time Cup Series champion in the Truck Series.
A Las Vegas native known for his dominance in the series, Busch aims to secure his third straight victory at Atlanta, while Bristol remains a standout venue in his career due to past sweeping wins in 2010 and 2017.
Details of Kyle Busch’s 2026 Truck Series Campaign
Spire Motorsports shared the news on social media, highlighting the collaboration between Busch and HendrickCars.com.
“Getting Rowdy eight times in ’26. @KyleBusch returns to the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado RST with @HendrickCars as the sponsor for most of his eight-race schedule,”
the team said on X.
Fans expressed strong excitement about Busch’s return. One stated, “GOAT has returned,” while another added,
“Close enough welcome back Kyle Busch and Hendrick Motorsports.”
Other comments reflected mixed emotions, such as,
“This is giving me PTSD because This man has been a pain in my butt on NASCAR25 in career mode in truck series,”
and hopeful ones like, “4 wins or more incoming.”
Currently, Busch holds the most wins in Truck Series history with 67 victories and boasts a series-best average finish of 6.7. He also leads the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with 102 wins. His dominance in the series sparked NASCAR’s decision to restrict Cup Series drivers from extensive participation in lower divisions. Over the last two years, Busch achieved three wins in just 10 Truck Series starts driving for Spire Motorsports.
Busch’s Perspective on Increasing His Race Entries in 2026
In an official statement, Kyle Busch reflected on negotiating the expanded schedule, marking his third year with Spire Motorsports.
“I’m excited that after NASCAR amended the ‘Kyle Busch rule’ that I was able to work it out with Jeff (Dickerson, owner), Brian (Pattie, crew chief) and everyone at Spire Motorsports to increase my race count up to the eight that are allowed this year. With the schedule we’ve put together, the majority of the tracks I’m fortunate to have a lot of wins at but there are also a few that I haven’t won at yet in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and will be looking to add to the win list,”
Busch said via Spiremotorsports.com.
Despite his Truck Series success, Busch is currently experiencing a challenging period in the Cup Series with a two-year winless streak. His best finishes last season were fifth-place results at Phoenix, Chicago, and COTA, reflecting ongoing struggles.
Challenges and Opinions Surrounding Busch’s Cup Series Future
NASCAR insider David Styles recently offered a pessimistic outlook on Busch’s Cup career, suggesting the driver may not overcome difficulties with RCR equipment. Styles argued that Busch’s chances for winning in the near future are limited, possibly only succeeding on superspeedway events or by chance.
Implications of Busch’s Truck Series Return and Future Outlook
Kyle Busch’s decision to return to the Truck Series for a full eight-race schedule in 2026, backed by Hendrick Motorsports, underscores his ongoing commitment to remain competitive in NASCAR’s lower divisions despite challenges in the Cup Series. His deep experience and track record of success make him a formidable competitor and point of interest for fans and teams alike. How this renewed focus on the Truck Series will affect his overall career trajectory remains to be seen, but it offers Busch an opportunity to further cement his legacy in one of NASCAR’s most competitive divisions.
Getting Rowdy eight times in '26.@KyleBusch returns to the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado RST with @HendrickCars as the sponsor for most of his eight-race schedule.
📰: https://t.co/nW3zp9xRGc pic.twitter.com/1QJLpbaRLF
— Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport) February 10, 2026
GOAT has returned.
— MG121 (@MG121_) February 10, 2026
Close enough welcome back Kyle Busch and Hendrick Motorsports
— NOT Matt DiBenedetto (@NotMattyDYT) February 10, 2026
This is giving me PTSD because This man has been a pain in my butt on NASCAR25 in career mode in truck series
— Carmelo Hayes & Drew McIntyre are🐐Hausen (@Brendon_Mold619) February 10, 2026
4 wins or more incoming.
— The Longpig Chef (@TheLongPigChef) February 10, 2026
Yay!! I’m so excited! Let’s go, KB!!
— Tonya Dent Scruton (@Drearystar) February 10, 2026
