NASCAR statistics often tell a fascinating tale of either success or struggle. But what if a successful stat becomes the very reason for your troubles? A recent revelation by Joe Gibbs Racing on Instagram set the NASCAR community buzzing. The stat in question was the team’s impressive playoff record. But, there’s a twist to the story, and it revolves around Kyle Busch, the most dominant driver for the team during the last 10 years. The decision to part ways with Busch at the end of the 2022 season now looms large over Joe Gibbs.

Earlier this year, Joe Gibbs faced what he had coming ever since he released Kyle Busch from the team. During a media conference at the Sonoma Raceway, Gibbs was asked what it was like for him to race againstBusch. Naturally, the question did not amuse Coach, and he expressed his disappointment with a tinge of frustration.

Joe Gibbs regrets letting Kyle Busch walk away

Last year, a dramatic chain of events unfolded when Kyle Busch’s primary sponsor, M&M’s, decided to exit the sport, leaving the driver in a precarious situation with Joe Gibbs Racing. Joe Gibbs and his team failed to secure a new sponsor for Busch. Ultimately leading to their decision to release the two-time Cup Series champion.

In a recent interview, Joe Gibbs expressed his regret over this decision, admitting the pain of competing against Busch, a talent he deeply respects. “It’s not fun. We don’t like that, okay? Certainly, we didn’t want that to happen. It did. And he’s a real talent, [I have] got such a respect for him, and we don’t like racing against Kyle. I think he is gonna win a bunch and we know it. So we gotta work our guts out to try and stay in front of him.” Gibbs lamented.

For the fans, this admission from the team owner serves as a stark reminder of the incredible impact Kyle Busch had during his tenure with Joe Gibbs Racing. In the 10 years of consistently placing at least one driver in the Championship 4, Busch featured in five of those appearances and clinched two titles during that time.

After Christopher Bell‘s victory in Miami, Joe Gibbs Racing celebrated its consistent Championship 4 presence on Instagram, stating, “JGR is still the only team to place at least one driver in the Championship 4 each year since this format’s inception in 2014.”

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However, the fans did not take Joe Gibbs Racing’s stat well. Instead, they saw it as a clear display of Kyle Busch’s dominance over the years and used this opportunity to vent their frustrations and disappointment over the team’s decision to part ways with him.

Disappointed stock car racing community trashes Joe Gibbs Racing for letting go of Busch

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As soon as NASCAR on NBC shared Joe Gibbs Racing’s Instagram post, fans flooded the comments section, leaving no room for ambiguity in their disappointed and frustrated reactions.

One fan boldly proclaimed, “KFB carried JGR in the playoffs,” underlining the impact Busch had on the team’s playoff campaigns. Another fan, with a hint of sarcasm, commented, “Only one guy has been able to win it, and he did it twice. What a relief that JGR didn’t let him go, right?” The sentiment of fans was further emphasized by another comment: “And the driver they let get away holds the spot with the most appearances and the only one to get them 2 championships in that time frame. Pretty smart letting him get away….”

Another fan pointed out the team’s struggle to replicate their past success. They wrote, “Would be impressive if they won more than only 2 of the times, and the 2 times weren’t the same driver that isn’t even on the team anymore. So not very impressive.” Fans continued to express their frustration, with one boldly declaring, “All them years and the only guy to give you two championships in that time, you disrespected and let walk to another team. Can’t wait to watch Bell get embarrassed at Phoenix.”

Kyle Busch’s departure also drew criticism toward Joe Gibbs himself. One fan blamed the team owner, stating, “And they didn’t re-sign the best they ever had. What a joke, Coach. KB, you the man.”

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Joe Gibbs’ admission of regret and the outpouring of frustration from fans serve as a poignant reminder of the significance of Kyle Busch’s contribution to the team’s legacy.