Kyle Busch’s pursuit of a win in the Cup Series after a dry spell dating back to June 4, 2023, continues to be a topic of discussion. Despite a remarkable triumph in the Truck Series at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Busch, also known as ‘Rowdy,’ was unable to clinch victory at the 2025 AmBetter Health 400. The race, marked by a series of accidents, drama, and controversy, saw Busch, the Richard Childress Racing’s ace, finishing in seventh place.
Busch, however, seemed to have come to terms with the outcome, considering the performance of his No. 8 Chevrolet. During a post-race interview, he offered insights into the challenges he faced during the race.
Following a premature exit at the Daytona 500, Busch had set his sights on redemption at Atlanta Motor Speedway. He started the 2025 AmBetter Health 400 from the eighth position, but a run-in with Carson Hocevar during the first stage of the race cost him several spots and stage points. The Nevada-born racer found it increasingly difficult to extract the best from his Chevy.
Busch, commenting on the car’s performance, noted, “I was fast when I could open it up and run when I was out front and leading and even second in line but third in line, I was having trouble with it in traffic… We got to work on the handle a little bit more and try to get the car to turn a corner a little bit sooner so I can stay in the gas.”
This isn’t the first time Busch has struggled with his car’s performance. The 2024 season saw ‘Rowdy’ and his teammate, Austin Dillon, grappling with speed issues in their Chevrolets. Although there seemed to be a glimmer of improvement towards the end of the regular season, with Busch securing runner-up finishes at Daytona and Darlington, the team reverted to its old form as the postseason commenced.
Despite the continued struggle for victory, a seventh-place finish isn’t all doom and gloom. Busch, who is in the final year of his contract with Richard Childress Racing, has plenty to build upon from the Atlanta race as he prepares for the next race at the Circuit of The Americas. With 34 races still left on the calendar, Busch is keen to end his winless streak and secure a playoff spot.
The Atlanta race also saw some on-track drama involving Busch and Hocevar. Known for his aggressive driving style and on-track feuds, Busch, the former Joe Gibbs Racing driver, had to lift off because of Hocevar’s antics. This move cost him several positions. However, post-race, Busch had a more measured take on the incident.
While it’s evident that Kyle Busch’s start to the 2025 season hasn’t been ideal, it’s important to consider the context. The Richard Childress Racing star has demonstrated speed and potential in both Cup Series races thus far. All he needs now is a slice of luck to secure a victory. Will ‘Rowdy’ end his winless streak in the current Cup Series season? Share your thoughts in the comments!