Kyle Busch, a prominent figure in the world of NASCAR, has always had a clear vision of what he wants: the championship. His relentless pursuit of this goal, rather than simply aiming for playoff victories, is what sets him apart from the pack. This championship mentality was first revealed in 2013, when Busch expressed his preference for winning a championship over a playoff race victory.
In the present day, Busch’s approach remains unchanged. His laser focus on the championship, rather than merely winning races to make it into the playoffs, was recently highlighted by NASCAR veteran, Kyle Petty. On the Performance Racing Network’s Fast Track podcast, Petty shed light on Busch’s fierce ambition, pointing out that Busch’s ultimate goal is to win it all.
A quick glance at Busch’s record lends credence to Petty’s observations. Busch has made it to the playoffs 11 times and has managed to convert two of those opportunities into Cup Series championships in 2015 and 2019. His second-place finish in the 2017 championship race further underscores his determination to seize the top spot.
Petty also highlighted the contrasting attitudes of other drivers who are content with just a win to secure a playoff spot. Austin Dillon’s infamous win at the Richmond Raceway in 2024 serves as a prime example. Dillon caused a wreck that eliminated Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin from the race, securing his win. However, NASCAR stripped him of his playoff berth for this deliberate act, though he retained the win. Busch, despite being Dillon’s teammate at Richard Childress Racing, has consistently demonstrated a different mindset, always setting his sights on the championship title.
Despite his commendable drive, Busch’s 2025 season has been marred by a string of unfortunate events. From getting involved in a wreck at Daytona, losing several places at Atlanta due to an incident with Carson Hocevar, to losing the lead at COTA due to a caution flag, Busch’s victories have eluded him. His winless streak now extends to 60 races, yet his commitment to securing the championship remains unwavering.
The upcoming Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway presents another opportunity for Busch to break his winless streak. With three victories at Phoenix in his portfolio, Busch has a proven track record of success at this venue. However, his recent performances at Phoenix have been less than stellar, finishing outside the top-20 in his last three races.
As Busch gears up for the Shriners Children’s 500, his familiarity with the demanding circuit could provide a competitive edge. However, he must steer clear of the errors that have cost him previous victories. The question remains: Will the Shriners Children’s 500 be the race where Kyle Busch finally snaps his winless streak and takes a step closer to his championship aspirations? Only time will tell.
