Fans Blame Richard Childress’ Kyle Busch Favoritism Behind Parting Ways With NASCAR Legend

Andy Petree, executive vice president at Richard Childress Racing, has decided to retire from his post with immediate effect. Keith Rodden will now replace Petree as the interim competition director at RCR. This move came in the wake of the team’s dismal performances in recent weeks, especially by Kyle Busch, who has looked like a shadow of his former self.

Petree is an industry veteran and famously served as the crew chief for Dale Earnhardt. The duo won the 1993 and 1994 Cup Series championships, Intimidator’s sixth and seventh titles, which also included 15 wins. The 65-year-old, in recent history, took on the role of executive vice president and guided RCR to 26 race wins. Seven of those came in the Cup Series. So, there’s a lot of experience and success that is walking out of RCR’s door as of now.

On the other hand, Keith Rodden served as a crew chief in an administrative role. He previously served as a crew chief for RCR on Austin Dillon’s No. 3 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the NASCAR Cup Series. His name is associated with some big teams in motorsports such as; Hendrick Motorsports, Chip Ganassi Racing, Red Bull Racing as well and Richard Petty Racing.

Understandably, the situation with Kyle Busch is rather difficult, but this move certainly looks like a reaction to the team’s inability to produce results. However, despite the shocking move, Petree had nothing but the best wishes in his heart for RCR.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Richard Childress for the impact he has had on my career, as well as the wonderful memories and on-track success we have enjoyed together. Although my day-to-day involvement with RCR is changing, I will always be a fan and supporter of everyone in Welcome, North Carolina. I wish RCR the best for the rest of this season and beyond,” Petree said via a press release.

This was indeed a surprise for NASCAR fans, who were in disbelief to see a seasoned veteran take the exit door and fall for the team’s overall performance. All because they could keep their star driver, Kyle Busch, happy and in contention for the playoffs.

“Andy Petree has been a tremendous supporter of RCR for many years and we wish him success in the future,” said Richard Childress, Chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “Our organization won two championships with Andy during his first stint at RCR, and we have made the NASCAR Playoffs and won races with him during his most recent tenure. I am grateful for his contributions to the team, leadership and friendship over the years. Keith Rodden has big shoes to fill as interim competition director, but I know his passion for motorsports and dedication will help drive RCR forward during a key time for our organization.”

However, their new executive VC faced a major setback during the 2023 NOCO 400 at Martinsville. The team in his leadership failed the inspection, costing them 60 points. The 2023 season was tough, with Dillon not winning any races, missing the playoffs, and ending up 29th in the final standings—his worst finish since going full-time in the Cup Series. The start of 2024 wasn’t much better. In response, RCR also decided to make a change on April 2, 2024, bringing Justin Alexander back as the crew chief for Dillon and the No. 3 team, and removed Keith. A situation similar to Andy Petree, right?

Now the fans blame Busch for the immediate exit of Andy Petree from RCR

It’s not a secret that RCR has had trouble backing Busch with a competitive racing program. Last Sunday’s result was his second DNF in a row, and certainly, for a team like RCR, these streaks of results are unacceptable. Unfortunately, it was Petree who bore the brunt of the dismal results, and fans were speculating that Busch had a say in this decision. “Wonder if this is a Kyle Busch ultimatum of either pick-up performance or I’m gone.”

Not sure if a change in executives could suddenly change the way the No. 3 and No. 8 cars run on the racetrack. Rather, this was seen as a reaction by the team, and eventually, someone had to take a fall. In this case, fans believe it was Petree, as one of them wrote, “Someone gotta always be the scapegoat.”

Rowdy pretty much remained tight-lipped about his situation at RCR. And no one has a clue what’s going on behind closed doors at the team. Well, according to a fan, Busch reached his boiling point and demanded changes to his team, which resulted in Petree’s exit. “So there must’ve been some major fallout at Richard Childers racing because Mr. Bush is not happy that’s interesting.”

Is this somehow going to overturn the fortunes of the #8 team overnight and result in a win this weekend in Nashville? It is indeed hard to predict such a huge turnaround, but an ardent RCR fan was hoping for this outcome. “Kyle Busch winning next week.”

Taking a jibe at RCR, a user even drew a comparison with the SHR team that has taken an exit route from NASCAR racing. To his point, their two drivers, Josh Berry and Chase Briscoe, finished inside the top 5, so at least their race cars are competing for the wins. “RCR crumbling more than SHR who’s actually shutting down lol.”

It is really difficult to try to wrap your head around this decision. What are your thoughts regarding this retirement, and does Keith Rodden have what it takes to run a successful race team?