Hopes of Kyle Busch qualifying for the playoffs are still alive. This is something you don’t hear about the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. However, Kyle Busch failed to break his 45-race winless streak yet again. There are a lot of positives for the Richard Childress team in the Michigan race, where Busch finished P4.

He got his 3rd Top 5 of the season; although not impressive, it makes for a comeback journey. Going into the last two races, Rowdy will be hopeful to show his wrath, as it is a now-or-never situation for the #8. And Dale Earnhardt Jr. knows what Kyle Busch is capable of and has certainly warned other teams in the remaining 2 races before the playoffs!

A desperate Kyle Busch in a do-or-die situation

The Michigan race, where Tyler Reddick took the win, showed glimpses of the Rowdy that fans love. However, the qualifying was disappointing as Kyle Busch started from P13, but in the 51 laps that took place before the rain delay, he managed to progress to P6 and hold the position. After racing resumed, he took the lead early in the race but was overtaken by Martin Truex Jr. Despite several cautions and a multi-car crash, Busch managed to win Stage 2, his first since Sonoma Raceway last year.

A strategic pit stop after a crash led to Busch taking the lead again, but tire issues prevented him from maintaining it. Despite the challenges, Busch’s team persevered through all the problems and secured a P4 finish. Truly a good sign for the struggling team. Although they didn’t win, the result was positive for a team still fighting for a playoff spot. Now Kyle Busch will look to capitalize on this race, as they are desperate for a win. And Dale Jr. just warned the grid of upcoming Rowdiness.

As Junior discussed the “Unpleasant Consequence of Going Fast” in Michigan on the August 20 episode of Dale Jr. Download, he detailed the emotions drivers like Ross Chastain, Bubba Wallace, and Kyle Busch will go into the race. Talking about their stats, Dale Earnhardt Jr. said, “They have been really good at Daytona, and so I would watch out. When they go to Daytona, if you’re wanting to be entertained, keep your eye on the car of Kyle Busch. Uh, not I mean, the dude’s going to be hellbent risk-it-all.”

According to Dale Jr., the number 8 RCR team is not going to fight for points anymore. They will do anything and everything in their power to get a win. Junior further in the podcast, said, “There’s no reason for him to be racing for stage points. He’s 93 points from the cut line. He’s not going to point his way in. They’re probably going to be taking care of that car as well as they can and then in stage three you’re going to see uh Kyle Busch doing everything he freaking possibly can.”

After all, there hasn’t been a single season in his career where he’s not made it to the playoffs. Certainly, he won’t want the 2024 season to be that year. Yes, he is desperate, but let’s hope he doesn’t follow in the footsteps of his teammate, Austin Dillon. Statistically speaking, what are Busch’s chances in the next two races?

What are Busch’s playoff chances?

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The story for Busch so far in the season has been this: He is currently 17th in the NASCAR Cup Series standings with 513 points. He has participated in 24 races, with five DNFs, and has recorded three top-5 finishes. Busch has won two stages this season and has led for a total of 160 laps. His average finish is 19th, and he typically starts races in 17.5th position. However, the #8 team would put that in the past and look ahead. Busch certainly is!

Kyle Busch is still hopeful of his chances. In the post-race interview in Michigan, he said, “So, just a good day overall for the Lucas Oil Chevrolet. And, you know, hope that next week, with Cheddar’s and Zone and the remaining races coming up, we can put ourselves in a position to win one.” 

The next race, where Kyle Busch will be looking for a win in Daytona, where he finished in P7 last year. Busch will be looking to capitalize on it and go for a win. As for Darlington, last year, here too Busch has a P7 finish. Giving him an equal opportunity at the last two races.

Win is the only ticket for Kyle Busch in the playoffs, as in points he is -93 below the cutoff line. Making it nearly impossible to qualify on points. Hopefully, we will see his magic at the upcoming Daytona and then see the champ competing in the playoffs for his third title. Do you think he will reach the qualifications? Let us know in the comments below.