Kyle Busch’s 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season has been a turbulent journey, marked by challenges and a notable incident during the Kansas playoff race. At the Hollywood Casino 400, the Richard Childress Racing star finished 19th, highlighting the ongoing struggles of the No. 8 team, as Busch and his crew grappled with car setup issues and inconsistent performances.

The team’s challenges were further underscored by a tense moment when Busch’s spotter, Derek Kneeland, passionately urged the crew to maintain morale, stating, “I know you guys are trying your as—s off and I know we’re struggling but we’ve gotta try to keep him and everybody upbeat. We are not going home 35th tonight. If we do I’m gonna jump of this f—g spotter’s stand.” This outburst reflected what many, including veteran driver Kevin Harvick, have been vocal about: Kyle Busch and RCR need a fresh start.

Kevin Harvick stresses RCR’s team dynamics and Kyle Busch’s rocky run

On his Happy Hour podcast, Harvick expressed his belief that a fresh start could be beneficial for Busch, suggesting that a change in environment might reignite the competitive fire that has defined Busch’s illustrious career. “It was interesting to see his comments this weekend just about how everybody needed a fresh start. When he’s talking about himself and Kyle Busch,” he said.

Randall Burnett, former crew chief for Kyle Busch at Richard Childress Racing, openly discussed the need for a fresh start, both for himself and the team. “I’m excited about my opportunity over there, and you know, obviously, something’s got to change on this 8 car,” said Burnett in an interview. “We haven’t been performing the way we needed to. I think everybody needs a fresh start. I got a really good opportunity with where I’m going. Obviously, Connor’s a great young talent. I miss working with the younger guys. So, you know, just kind of all worked out.”

Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion with 63 career victories, has encountered a series of challenges in recent seasons. Despite his impressive track record, Busch has been experiencing a prolonged winless streak, with his last Cup Series victory dating back to 2023. The 2025 season has been particularly tough, with Busch ranking 21st in the standings and struggling to secure consistent top-10 finishes. His best result this season was a 5th-place finish at the Circuit of the Americas, but such performances have been rare.

“Kyle Busch had another miserable weekend. But I think he’s right. I think that Kyle needs a fresh start, too, with somebody else to just kind of reset. The way that I took Randall’s comments where it was just time for everybody to just start over in a new situation,” Harvick continued. Along with Busch, RCR has also been under scrutiny. Team officials have acknowledged that while the car has potential for competitive performance, there are areas in need of improvement.

Earlier this week, Harvick made a comment that resonated with the broader theme of evolution in NASCAR. He noted, “We all want to see Kyle Busch win,” highlighting the collective desire for the sport’s icons to reclaim their former glory. Harvick’s acknowledgement of past rivalries and current camaraderie with Busch further emphasizes the importance of adaptability and the potential for resurgence through change.

While Busch navigates the complexities of a challenging season, Kevin Harvick‘s own experience in RCR illustrates a similar pattern of disappointments.

The move that changed Kevin Harvick’s NASCAR career

Kevin Harvick’s NASCAR journey began with RCR in 2001, following the tragic death of Dale Earnhardt Sr. Stepping into the iconic No. 29 car, Harvick quickly made a name for himself, winning in just his 3rd Cup Series start at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Over the next 13 seasons, he secured 23 victories and consistently contended for championships, finishing as high as 3rd in the standings.

However, despite individual successes, Harvick’s tenure at RCR was marked by challenges, including a lack of consistent championship contention and internal tensions, such as the infamous incident at Martinsville in 2013 involving Ty Dillon. “Just like everybody else’s job, sometimes you need a change to get going again,” Harvick said in 2013, as he announced his leave from RCR.

Joining Stewart-Haas Racing in 2014, Harvick was paired with crew chief Rodney Childers, forming a formidable duo. The move was seen as a strategic decision to rejuvenate his career and align with a team that had shown promise but had yet to secure a championship. The transition was smooth, with Harvick adapting quickly to SHR’s culture and resources, setting the stage for a successful partnership.

“The biggest difference with Rodney is he’s a guy who wants to win practice, qualify on the pole, lead every lap, run the fastest lap of the race and that’s what he expected as a driver,” Harvick once said of why he wanted to work with Childers. “A lot of times, you just don’t know how relationships are going to go. Sometimes, you hit it. Sometimes, you don’t. For us, he’s very low-key, but he’s very competitive.” And 2014 then proved to be a turning point in Harvick’s career. 

Under the guidance of crew chief Rodney Childers, Harvick secured 4 wins and consistently performed at a high level throughout the season. The culmination came at the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where Harvick clinched his first NASCAR Cup Series championship. The victory was a testament to the synergy between Harvick and SHR, showcasing their ability to execute under pressure and solidifying Harvick’s legacy as a NASCAR champion.