The latest paddock buzz suggests that Randall Burnett could be on his way out of Richard Childress Racing after the 2025 season, which would leave Kyle Busch searching for yet another crew chief.

Burnett has been paired with Busch since 2023, and while the duo has managed three wins and consistent Playoff appearances, performance gaps, particularly on short tracks and in qualifying, have been a recurring frustration.

Burnett himself admitted earlier this year that the No. 8 team’s “weakest link” was translating practice speed into race-day results, a blunt acknowledgment of RCR’s limitations. RCR has already begun reshaping its competition department with new leadership hires, such as John Klausmeier as technical director, in a bid to shore up those weak areas.

Against that backdrop, Burnett’s rumored exit gains credibility, even if it remains unconfirmed. Yahoo! Sports reported that the chatter has traction in the garage area, but neither Burnett nor RCR has gone on record about his future.

If the split happens, the big question is who would step in. Some fans and analysts have floated Rodney Childers, the longtime Stewart-Haas Racing crew chief, as a top option. His championship pedigree with Kevin Harvick makes him one of the most sought-after free agents, and he’s been linked to multiple openings for 2026.

But given RCR’s history of hiring experienced yet cost-conscious leaders, a veteran like Brian Pattie, who has previously worked with Busch in the Truck Series, might also be a realistic candidate.

The other layer of speculation centers on Busch himself. His contract runs through 2025, and while both sides have expressed commitment to continuing together, uncertainty around Burnett could influence that decision. As one report noted, even Burnett has spoken of Busch’s importance to RCR’s long-term future, underscoring how intertwined their fates might be.

If Burnett departs, Busch could face a crossroads: adapt to yet another new voice on the pit box at RCR, or reassess his options elsewhere. The rumor of Randall Burnett leaving Kyle Busch’s No. 8 team has Reddit in a frenzy, with fans going bonkers and speculating on replacements, including what it means for RCR’s future.

Fan Reactions

One user kicked off the debate, “If Randall Burnett does end up leaving RCR, who becomes Kyle Busch’s crew chief for 2026? What do you guys think?” Burnett’s been with Busch since 2023, delivering three wins, 15 top-fives, and 27 top-10s in 72 races. If he walks, RCR’s in a bind.

Rodney Childers, with 40 Cup wins and a Harvick championship, tops the list, but landing him is a stretch. Fans see it as a chance to reset a duo that’s shown speed but struggled with consistency.

Another floated a wildcard, “I go wildcard and say Brian Pattie. He would be a terrible hire, but he and Busch have worked well in trucks, and D–k Childress usually hires washed-up veterans on the cheap.”

Pattie’s guided Stenhouse and Waltrip in Cup but hasn’t lit it up lately, though his Truck success with Busch makes him a cheap, familiar fit. Childress loves value hires like Justin Alexander for Austin Dillon, so the pick aligns with RCR’s budget-conscious style, even if fans call it “terrible.”

The frustration boiled over, “Thank God. He used to be hit and miss at worst back then, and it was at least a rocketship when he hit, but now he seems completely clueless and screws up constantly.”

Burnett’s inconsistency shines through, strong in 2023 with three wins, but 2025’s short-track woes and qualifying slumps have fans fed up. His own “weakest link” admission on practice-to-race translation only fuels the fire, making a split feel like a mercy rule.

One pondered the flip side, “I wonder where Burnett would go. When he and Reddick were together, I thought he was a top 5 crew chief. For whatever reason, it hasn’t clicked with him and KFB. Probably best to try something different for both sides.”

Burnett’s peak with Tyler Reddick, 2019 Xfinity title, and 2022 Cup playoffs, marks him as elite. The Busch pairing hasn’t sparked the same magic, with missed opportunities piling up. Fans see a split as mutual, giving Burnett a shot at a better match.

The pressure angle hit home, “Stress probably got to him. And for the love of God, please do not start a Rodney Childers chant.” Crew chiefs face insane scrutiny, setup calls, strategy, media, and Burnett’s admitted short-track struggles show the toll.

Childers’ name is everywhere, but fans beg for restraint, knowing RCR can’t just snap him up. The chant reflects the garage’s obsession with its Harvick-era success, but a Burnett exit would demand a fresh start, not a pipe dream.