The 2025 NASCAR season unveils a fresh perspective on the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), but Richard Childress Racing driver Kyle Busch seems unfazed by the modifications. Instead, he’s locked his sights on overcoming challenges of a different nature.
Last year, the COTA track witnessed a rain-soaked inaugural NASCAR race, which saw Chase Elliott pocket the victory. Historically, the track boasted a 20-turn, 3.41-mile layout that even Formula One drivers navigated. This year, however, the organizers have switched things up, introducing a shorter 2.3-mile “national” circuit for the Cup Series season.
Despite the significant alteration, Kyle Busch’s focus remains steady. With a gnawing 59-race winless streak to his name, the NASCAR star is grappling with pressures that extend beyond the physical layout of the track.
Busch, who drives the No. 8 RCR car, had a noteworthy COTA race last year. He was abruptly spun out by Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell in a bold dive-bob move. The incident led to a fiery post-race confrontation between the two. Despite the turbulent past, Busch managed to secure a commendable 7th-place starting spot in the qualifying session for the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix race, clocking a speed of 86.626 mph.
However, the veteran driver confessed to the challenges brought on by the Next-Gen car at COTA. He candidly stated in a recent interview, “It shows you how finicky these damn cars are. A little bit here and a little bit there, and a couple of things…and it’s a completely different race car…You could have the least little thing off and be completely out of control.”
In addition to the technical intricacies of the cars, there’s also the matter of Goodyear’s new tire with a revamped construction. The tire features a compound designed to emphasize wear and lap-time falloff. However, according to Busch, the difference was negligible.
Yet, for all his concerns, Busch appeared nonchalant about the reconfigured COTA track. He remarked, “Whether you like the old course or not, the shorter course – I get it. I just thought it always was kind of cool that we were on an F1 course.”
While Busch seems to be grappling with the technicalities of the car and tire performance, his rival, Chase Elliott, appears to be apprehensive about the altered track layout. Elliott, once a formidable road course ace who won seven road course races from August 2018 to July 2021, echoed his concerns, especially about the removal of a key section from Turn 7 through the Turn 11 hairpin.
In light of the significant changes, NASCAR extended the practice session on Saturday, allowing drivers to familiarize themselves with the revamped track. Elliott lauded this decision, stating, “The good news is that we’ve got some practice next week to understand the reconfiguration.”
It’s clear that Busch and Elliott are dealing with different concerns as they gear up for the season’s first road course. The reimagined COTA track, the new car dynamics, and the pressure of performing will put their skills to the ultimate test. As the NASCAR community waits with bated breath, all eyes are on how these two Cup stars will fare in the upcoming race.
