Seven races into the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, and Kyle Busch is yet to register a win. While the Richard Childress Racing driver has come close, he has looked far from convincing. Apart from some of the crew issues to deal with for Rowdy, his struggle at short tracks remains a massive concern.

It was in June last year that Kyle Busch last registered his victory in the Cup Series. For a driver of his caliber, it certainly is a matter of concern. As he looked to turn his fortunes around at Martinsville, the #8 driver was quite unhappy with NASCAR.

Kyle Busch lashes out at NASCAR for their rigid short-track package approach

NASCAR introduced the new short-track package at Phoenix Raceway earlier this season. It is safe to say that the Toyota drivers made the most of it, as they led all but 14 laps in the 312-lap race. Certainly, it was more than disappointing, both for the Chevrolet and Ford drivers. The introduction of this new package focused on reducing the downforce on the front of the car.

In addition to that, the rear spoiler witnessed an increase of two to three inches in height. Not only that, Goodyear introduced a new tire that went along with the package. Despite many drivers demanding more horsepower, NASCAR has stuck to the same short-track package. That hasn’t pleased Kyle Busch and he remained frustrated ahead of the race at Martinsville. Speaking to NASCAR reporter Nathan Solomon, he once again criticized the short-track package, “I didn’t think we could make it worse, but by golly, we did.”

When asked how could NASCAR change things, Busch said, “It doesn’t matter, they won’t do it.” During the press conference, he also hinted at the shortcomings of his own team. Busch added, “Maybe it’s just because we don’t have it quite figured out like others do, but I cannot follow anybody in front of me whatsoever. It doesn’t matter if I’m in the bottom lane, the middle lane, the top lane – if there is a car in front of me, I am terrible, really bad.”

Busch also pointed out that they may have to take a different approach if they are to improve. “So, I think a lot of it is just the reliance on the simulation and what we’re being told in that, and making decisions based off of that – what makes you faster or better in the sim. That is not transferring to the race track, so we’ve got to go about it a different way,” 

While Kyle Busch has raised his concerns over the package, he has also pushed the agenda for more horsepower, as have other drivers. Last month he said, “We don’t blow the tires off enough, I think that’s what we’re all kinda talking about. We need these things to be faster going into the corner, utilizing the brakes more, utilizing the tires more, having an opportunity to overdrive the cars more to burn the tires up, and see guys struggle more over a run.”

NASCAR implemented some new aero rules for short tracks for the second consecutive season, which focuses on a simpler diffuser and a 3-inch spoiler. So far this season it has been used in the races at Phoenix and Richmond.

While the expected answer here from the veteran Cup Series driver is more horsepower, NASCAR has shown its reservations about this change, considering it is an expensive change. For now, it is what it is for Kyle Busch.

Can Kyle Busch triumph at Martinsville considering RCR’s rich history on the short track?

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The Next-Gen car hasn’t helped Kyle Busch when it comes to being victorious at Martinsville. In his last three outings, the Richard Childress Racing driver has finished outside the top ten. However, RCR has enjoyed a good time at the 0.526-mile oval, and that could come to Busch’s aid.

To date, the team has seven Cup Series victories to its name at Martinsville Speedway. Not only that, RCR has 31 top-five and 65 top-ten finishes in 189 starts. Regardless of the short-track package, RCR’s record at Martinsville should be a major boost for Busch.

Having said that, his toughest competitors lie in Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr, and Brad Keselowski at the track. With Hamlin winning five times, Truex Jr three times, and Keselowski twice, Busch faces a strong fight from them. In addition to that, Toyota’s terrific run with the short-track package favors the JGR drivers more in this case.

If history is any proof of how random things could be, Kyle Busch stands a notable chance to win on Sunday. It remains to be seen how he approaches the race, considering his reservations and criticism regarding the short-track package.

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