Kyle Busch has a lot to prove. Despite winning two Cup Series championships, ‘Rowdy’ will be competing in what can only be described as a make-or-break 2025 campaign. The 39-year-old failed to make the playoffs or secure a single win last year, with bad luck and an underperforming car making his season go from bad to worse. The Richard Childress racer has one year left on his current contract, and speculation is rife about potential destinations should his struggles continue.

With the season-opening Daytona 500 on the horizon, Fox Sports journalist Bob Pockrass has revealed that Busch’s performances by spring could potentially create a “big storyline” about his future with Richard Childress’ team.

Will this be Kyle Busch’s last year at RCR?

Whatever could go wrong, did go wrong for Kyle Busch in 2024. His No. 8 Chevy was difficult to control and lacked pace, while ‘Rowdy’ seemed to have the worst luck in the Cup Series despite his tireless efforts. The veteran driver came agonizingly close to breaking his winless streak on many occasions, finishing runner-up in back-to-back races at Darlington and Daytona International Speedway just before the playoffs began. He also finished 0.004 seconds behind eventual-winner Daniel Suarez at the 2024 Ambetter Health 400, the race highlighting that the Nevada native still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.

Sharing his thoughts about Kyle Busch’s upcoming season, journalist Bob Pockrass said on the Beating and Banging show, “When you look at Silly Season I’m gonna look at Kyle Busch, right? If they perform well off the start, you think, ‘Okay, he’s gonna stay’. But you know, if they struggle, what is he going to feel about, you know, how much is he going to look and where does he end up will be, you know, kind of a big storyline especially, you know. Maybe not going into Daytona but I would say by the time we get to April or May it will be.”

Kyle Busch almost looked like a broken man by the end of the 2024 season. The veteran racer saw his 19-year-long winning streak finally coming to an end last year, and his 20th-place finish was his worst standing in the Cup Series since his rookie campaign in 2005. However, the Nevada native is also a former champion, who will want to pick himself up, dust himself off, and get back to winning ways in 2025. With just three wins with Richard Childress Racing in two seasons, the struggle has been real for Rowdy, who hasn’t been able to replicate his Joe Gibbs Racing form with the No. 8 Chevy.

Even though Busch’s stock is at an all-time low, plenty of teams would be interested if he becomes a free agent at the end of the 2025 season. The Nevada native has the experience and trophies to back him up, and all he needs is good equipment to make use of his immense talent. While it’s unlikely for him to return to Hendrick Motorsports or Joe Gibbs Racing, ambitious teams such as Trackhouse Racing or Spire Motorsports could be potential destinations. Ultimately, all would depend on how he fares in the upcoming Cup Series campaign.

Time is running out for Kyle Busch

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At 39, Kyle Busch knows that his years at NASCAR’s highest level are limited. While Rowdy has shown glimpses of his racing prowess last year, the lack of consistency in his performances was a cause for concern for his fans. Given his stature and age, the 39-year-old might opt for greener pastures at the end of the 2025 campaign, but that might be easier said than done. Busch will want to compete for wins and championships rather than move to a team that is still finding its footing in the Cup Series. However, will a title-contending team take a chance on Rowdy?

His best chance is to make the most of his time at Richard Childress Racing. The team has made plenty of changes in its backroom staff, with Keith Rodden joining in as Vice President of Competition and John Klausmeier being named Technical Director to build a Cup Series program that is capable of challenging NASCAR’s elites. As for Busch, the racer competed on dirt tracks in the off-season at the Tulsa Shootout and Chili Bowl Nationals and will hope to hit the ground running when the season begins at Daytona International Speedway. Both the driver and his team will hope to secure early wins to ease the pressure, which will not just be crucial to retaining the veteran driver but also for RCR’s long-term stability.

Having described 2024 as the “toughest year of his career”, Kyle Busch will be eager to start the new year with a fresh outlook. All eyes will be on the driver and his No. 8 team at the Daytona 500, with social media already buzzing with speculation about whether he will rise to the occasion or wilt under pressure. Busch will be leaving no stone unturned while preparing for the season ahead, and will be praying that lady luck is finally on his side when the season begins on February 16th.