Kyle Busch continues his career with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) despite an uncertain outlook for the 2026 NASCAR season. After a promising start following his move from Joe Gibbs Racing in 2023, Busch and teammate Austin Dillon have struggled to regain winning form, leaving both drivers without victories in 2024 and 2025. As Busch approaches the Daytona 500 and the new season, he remains calm, focusing on aspects he can control rather than the team’s broader struggles.
The early optimism that accompanied Busch’s arrival at RCR, marked by three wins in 2023’s first half, has since faded. The team acknowledged mistakes in car development that contributed to its decline, and with the 2026 season set to begin at Daytona, hopes for a turnaround have yet to materialize. Despite this, Busch emphasizes faith and personal resolve in navigating the challenges ahead.
“I don’t really worry. It’s kind of is what it is. I have always told Samantha [his wife] 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.”
Kyle Busch told Bob Pockrass.
RCR’s Performance Decline and Busch’s Contract Year in 2026
Both Kyle Busch and Austin Dillon have faced underwhelming seasons recently, with Dillon showing little progress aside from a couple of wins at Richmond. Building on these struggles, Busch enters 2026 in the final year of his contract with RCR. Ahead of the new season, questions about his future have been raised, yet Busch maintains a measured outlook, acknowledging that results depend heavily on factors beyond his control.
In an interview prior to the Clash event, Busch discussed his mindset on stress, his expectations from the team, and the potential impact of new crew chief Jim Pohlman. Though optimistic about areas for improvement, Busch remains realistic about the challenges while expressing readiness to contribute fully.
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, Journalist
Kyle Busch Plans Eight Truck Series Races with Spire Motorsports in 2026
To prepare for a competitive 2026, Kyle Busch will participate in eight designated Truck Series races with Spire Motorsports, beginning with the Atlanta event. This expanded participation follows NASCAR’s revision of the “Kyle Busch rule,” allowing him increased race entries. Busch expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Spire Motorsports owner Jeff Dickerson and crew chief Brian Pattie to maximize his opportunities on the track.
“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.”
Kyle Busch said in a press release.
The selected races include many tracks where Busch has previously achieved victories in the Truck Series, enhancing his chances of extending his record total of 67 wins in the division. He also aims to secure his first win since the series adopted CRAFTSMAN as its title sponsor.
“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.”
Kyle Busch added.
Busch’s Truck Series Campaign Backed by HendrickCars.com Sponsorship
Busch’s Truck Series efforts will be supported by HendrickCars.com, a sponsor linked to Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, where Busch began his NASCAR career before moving to Joe Gibbs Racing and then RCR. This partnership holds personal significance as Busch looks to bring victory lane successes to his sponsor.
“I’m looking forward to going out each and every race, giving it all we can to get Mr. H, HendrickCars.com, and the other partners that will fill out the schedule to Victory Lane.”
Kyle Busch asserted.
The additional Truck Series races serve not only as a platform to solidify Busch’s legacy in NASCAR’s third tier but also as valuable preparation for the intense competition he will face at the top level in 2026.
Implications for Busch and RCR as Daytona and 2026 Approach
As the Daytona 500 marks the start of the new NASCAR season, Kyle Busch’s steady, pragmatic approach underlines his commitment to overcoming the challenges faced with RCR. His expanded Truck Series schedule positions him to maintain sharpness and momentum despite RCR’s recent difficulties. Busch’s attitude reflects resilience in the face of uncertainty, with faith and focus driving his outlook amid the pressure of a contract year.
RCR’s acknowledgment of car development errors signals a need for strategic adjustments, and the new leadership under crew chief Jim Pohlman may provide fresh direction. How Busch’s experience and perseverance translate into performance will be closely watched as the team aims to halt its winless streak and rekindle its competitiveness in NASCAR’s premier division.
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
