After a winless and frustrating 2024 season, Kyle Busch heads into 2025 with one goal: Redemption. NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. believes that Rowdy Nation won’t have to wait too long to see their driver back in Victory Lane, but he also warns that the struggles at Richard Childress Racing (RCR) could persist unless something drastically changes.
On the latest episode of The Dale Jr. Download, Earnhardt Jr. shared his bold expectations for Busch, highlighting both the positives and challenges ahead.
Dale Jr.: “Kyle Busch Will Win Again, But RCR’s Challenges Remain”
Busch’s first season with RCR in 2023 started strong, with three wins, including a dominant showing at Auto Club Speedway. But 2024 was a different story. Zero wins. A missed playoff berth. Constant struggles with speed.
Despite the slump, Earnhardt Jr. is confident that Busch’s winning pedigree will shine through.
“The thing with Kyle, I think he does get back to Victory Lane,” Earnhardt Jr. stated. “He’s too good. Won too many races over the course of his career to not find his way back.”
However, Earnhardt Jr. doesn’t expect RCR’s issues to disappear overnight.
“But unless something changes dramatically, this will be the life for him. This is the way things are going to be for the foreseeable future.”
That’s not exactly the most optimistic outlook, but it’s a realistic one. RCR has lagged behind powerhouse teams like Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Team Penske, and until that gap closes, Busch may still find himself battling uphill.
Kyle Busch’s New Escape: Racing Beyond Cup with His Son
One aspect of Busch’s career that Dale Jr. absolutely loves? His expanded racing schedule outside of the Cup Series.
“I do like what he’s doing away from Cup racing. A little bit of everything,” Earnhardt Jr. said.
“He got back in a Legends car. He’s doing things purposely to be able to enjoy time with Brexton.”
Busch has made it clear that racing with his son, Brexton, has become one of his biggest joys. Whether it’s competing in Late Models, running in the Truck Series, or even hitting the short-track scene, Busch is making sure he stays active and sharp behind the wheel.
“If he didn’t have all of that, I’d be really concerned for Kyle and what he’s doing on Sundays… He can weather this storm until something changes. And that’s okay.”
Busch, who once seemed laser-focused on Cup racing, has expanded his perspective—and it might just be the best thing for his career in the long run.
Dale Jr. on Denny Hamlin’s 2025 Championship Hopes
While discussing Busch, Earnhardt Jr. also turned his attention to Denny Hamlin—his former teammate and a driver who is still chasing that elusive first Cup championship.
“I believe that Joe Gibbs Racing, that organization and the moves that they’ve made—they are going to make sure that there’s not a door open, or an opportunity for people to criticize the change.”
“They’re going to make sure that Denny goes to the racetrack and that he’s competitive.”
Hamlin, who won three races in 2024 but came up short in the playoffs, faces enormous pressure in 2025. At 43 years old, time is running out for him to secure a championship that would solidify his legacy.
Earnhardt Jr. clearly believes that JGR will throw everything at getting Hamlin across the finish line as a Cup Series champion.
Can Busch and Hamlin Deliver in 2025?
For Kyle Busch, getting back to Victory Lane isn’t just about proving his doubters wrong—it’s about showing that RCR still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. But as Earnhardt Jr. pointed out, unless major changes happen within the team, it might be a long road back to consistent success.
For Denny Hamlin, 2025 might be his last, best shot at a Cup championship. With Toyota and JGR committed to giving him the best equipment possible, there’s no room for excuses anymore.
The pressure is on for both drivers. The only question is: Who will rise to the occasion?
