Despite enduring a 62-race winless streak, two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has kicked off 2025 on a high note. After an arduous 2024 season that saw him go without a win for the first time in almost two decades, Busch has returned to the racing circuit with renewed vigor and determination. His performance in the first four races of the current season has been nothing short of stellar, earning him three consecutive top-ten finishes.
Busch’s improved performance can be attributed to his sheer grit and unyielding spirit. Despite a disappointing 2024 season where he managed only ten top-ten finishes out of 36 races, the veteran racer has proven that he’s far from finished. His average finish has improved to 13.5, a significant leap from his career-low of 18.31 in 2024. This improvement has catapulted him to the 8th place in the championship standings.
His resurgence hasn’t been without its fair share of challenges. At the Daytona race, Busch was involved in a crash caused by Joey Logano, which resulted in him finishing outside the top ten. Notwithstanding this setback, he showcased his racing prowess by leading for 13 laps at the Atlanta race and securing a 7th place finish.
An even more impressive performance awaited at the Circuit of the Americas race, where Busch looked set for victory with a two-second lead over other racers. But a forced pit stop due to an incident involving his teammate Austin Dillon caused him to lose his lead and finish fifth. Despite these setbacks, Busch’s determination to succeed remains undeterred.
NASCAR journalist Kelly Crandall sees Busch’s recent performances as a testament to his resilience. She commended his strong showing at Daytona, Atlanta, and COTA, suggesting that this could be a precursor to an impressive comeback.
Crandall’s optimism stems from Busch’s performance at Phoenix during the Shriner’s Children 400. Even though he was involved in a lap 99 wreck, Busch managed an 8th place finish, demonstrating his ability to overcome adversity. His upcoming race at Las Vegas, his hometown, could serve as the perfect platform to break his winless streak.
Richard Childress Racing (RCR), the team to which Busch belongs, has also been showing signs of positive evolution. In 2024, they made several crew changes to provide Busch with a competitive edge. Key personnel changes included the appointment of Keith Rodden as Vice President of Competition and the onboarding of former Stewart-Haas Racing leaders John Klausmeier and Richard Boswell.
Busch’s recent success can also be attributed to his part-time participation in the Trucks Series. He clinched his 67th Truck Series win at Atlanta Motor Speedway, proving that his racing skills are not limited to the Cup Series.
As Busch gears up for his next race, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining momentum. He warns that any lapse could provide an opportunity for competitors to capitalize. As Busch and RCR continue their upward trajectory, it remains to be seen if they can turn the tide and end Busch’s winless streak. The forthcoming race at Las Vegas could be the turning point they have been waiting for.