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Kyle Busch’s Future in NASCAR: Could a Blockbuster Move Be on the Horizon?

Harry Stone by Harry Stone
February 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 5 mins read
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Kyle Busch’s Future in NASCAR: Could a Blockbuster Move Be on the Horizon?

Mar 11, 2023; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (8) during qualifying for the United Rentals Work United 500 at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The once-unstoppable force of Kyle Busch now finds himself at a career crossroads. After a brutal 2024 season that saw him slump to 20th in the standings and extend his winless streak to 57 races, many are wondering: Has Rowdy lost his magic?

The answer? Absolutely not.

Busch proved he still has plenty of fight left, winning two golden driller trophies at the Tulsa Shootout—a sign that his racing instincts are far from dull. So, if the problem isn’t Kyle Busch himself, then all fingers start pointing at Richard Childress Racing (RCR).

Now, with his contract set to expire at the end of 2025, the NASCAR world is buzzing with speculation: Will Busch look for a fresh start at a top-tier team? Could a return to Joe Gibbs Racing or a shocking move to Hendrick Motorsports be in the works?

The Fall of RCR and Busch’s Stalled Career

Busch’s departure from Joe Gibbs Racing in 2022 sent shockwaves through the sport. The two-time Cup Series champion had built his empire there, collecting 56 of his 64 career wins under the JGR banner. But when sponsorship issues forced him out, he landed at RCR, a move that initially showed promise.

His three-win start in 2023 made it seem like a match made in heaven. But since his Gateway victory, Busch has struggled to contend, watching his dominance fade as RCR’s performance flatlined.

So now, the burning question is: Does Busch really want to stay at RCR beyond 2025?

Is Rowdy Already Testing the Waters?

NASCAR analyst Eric Estepp doesn’t believe Busch’s recent hints about Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing were accidental.

“When Busch said those things in summer about Hendrick and Gibbs, I don’t think that was him just being blunt. I don’t think that was an unintentional slip of the tongue. I think he was putting feelers out there.”

Estepp pointed out that Busch clearly saw potential openings in some of the sport’s biggest teams:

  • Martin Truex Jr.’s No. 19 at Joe Gibbs Racing was rumored to be available.
  • Speculation swirled around Alex Bowman’s seat at Hendrick Motorsports.

Now, in 2025, those same questions remain—but with even bigger stakes.

  • Instead of the No. 19, could Busch have his sights set on the No. 11 if Denny Hamlin’s situation at JGR worsens?
  • Could Bowman’s No. 48 at Hendrick become a real possibility if his struggles continue?

Could Busch Replace Bowman or Hamlin?

Busch’s interest in Hendrick and JGR comes at a time when both Alex Bowman and Denny Hamlin are facing uncertainty.

Alex Bowman’s Struggles at Hendrick

Hendrick fans know Bowman has been the weakest link in the powerhouse lineup.

  • Over the past three seasons, Bowman has just two wins—a stark contrast to his teammates’ dominance:
    • Kyle Larson: 13 wins
    • William Byron: 11 wins
    • Chase Elliott: 6 wins

If Hendrick feels it needs a stronger presence in the No. 48, Busch could be a prime candidate to bring immediate success to the team.

Denny Hamlin’s Uncertain Future at JGR

Hamlin’s career at JGR is far from secure.

  • FedEx, his longtime primary sponsor, is gone.
  • Mavis Tires, who stepped in as a replacement, is already showing signs of instability.
  • His trusted crew chief, Chris Gabehart, has left his pit box for a front-office role.

If Hamlin’s situation deteriorates further, Joe Gibbs Racing might need a seasoned veteran to step in and stabilize the No. 11—and who better than Busch, a driver who knows the JGR system inside and out?

Should RCR Be Panicking?

Busch may be locked in at RCR for 2025, but if his poor results continue, don’t expect him to stick around for the long haul.

With better opportunities potentially emerging at Hendrick and JGR, RCR needs to prove they can provide Busch with a championship-caliber car—or risk losing the one driver keeping their Cup program alive.

If Richard Childress can’t give Busch a car capable of winning races, why would Rowdy stay?

The Verdict: A High-Stakes Year for Kyle Busch

Busch’s future hangs in the balance.

  • If RCR can turn things around, Busch might stick it out for another contract.
  • But if 2025 mirrors 2024, don’t be surprised if Busch makes a power move to a top-tier team.

With Hendrick and JGR both facing potential shakeups, Rowdy could be the biggest free-agent prize of 2026.

And if that happens, NASCAR might witness one of the most shocking team switches in recent history.

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