Kyle Busch Credits Richard Childress’ ‘Protection’ After Expletive-Laid Warning Fends Off Stenhouse Jr

Who would have guessed that the epic showdown between Kyle Busch and Richard Childress back in 2011 would mellow to the point where Childress would be ready to throw punches at Busch? Yet, while NASCAR has long been a hotbed for enduring rivalries among drivers and owners, it’s just as well-known for the loyalty and solidarity within teams.

Remember when Rick Hendrick issued a warning to Ross Chastain last year for repeatedly wrecking Kyle Larson or Chase Elliott backed his crew chief, Alan Gustafson, during the fuel debacle at Watkins Glen, and now Richard Childress stepping up for Kyle Busch? There’s definitely something comforting about having solid support, especially from the boss.

Kyle Busch has shared how he feels about Richard Childress backing him up

Even though Ricky Stenhouse Jr has backed off from his earlier threats to wreck Kyle Busch at Charlotte, hoping to put their feud to rest, Richard Childress is still on guard. As the owner of RCR and Kyle Busch’s current boss, Childress, even at 78, hasn’t lost his fighting spirit and seems ready to defend his driver if things escalate.

In a post-incident interview, Childress didn’t mince words, stating, “I’ve put the word out. I got it where I hope it gets to him (Stenhouse) that if he does… I’m kind of old for fighting, but I’ll have a different style of fighting and I’ll whip his a**.“ 

Later, while speaking with Chris Weaver, Childress reiterated his protective stance, saying, “I don’t fight as far as I used to. I’m a little older. But Ricky Stenhouse said that he was going to wreck the #8 car at Charlotte. Well, when I see him, I’m going to tell him if he does. I’m older, but I’ve just changed my style of fighting. He’ll carry a rough past beat.“ Clearly, Childress remains fiercely loyal to his drivers and is not afraid to stand up for them.

Recently, when Kyle Busch was asked by Charlie Marlow about Richard Childress’s staunch support, he said, “Yeah! He uh I’ve been on that end of things before you know so um I know Richard and his meanings and how he feels about his team and everybody that works for him. And he’s passionate about the sport in general and obviously, we know that um you know the 79 Daytona 500 was built on that right. But um you know it’s just a nature of what you know he’s all about and that’s protecting what’s his and what he believes is the right way to go.”

But this commitment on Richard Childress’s part isn’t new; it was on full display even back in 2011 during Busch’s clash with Richard Childress. After Kyle Busch gave Joey Coulter’s truck a tap on the cool-down lap to express his displeasure with Coulter’s aggressive racing, Childress, never one to back down, took off his watch and other jewelry and ended up throwing punches at Busch until they were pulled apart. Even then, he was fending off his driver, Joey Coulter.

In fact, Richard Childress’s support extends beyond just backing Busch in confrontations. He’s also supportive of Busch’s ambitions to tackle challenges like double duty, though with certain conditions in place.

Richard Childress is backing Kyle Busch’s ambition 

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Kyle Busch has been eyeing the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 double since his brother took on the challenge in 2014, and nearly got the chance in 2017 while with Joe Gibbs Racing, but Joe Gibbs himself wasn’t on board. But now it seems Richard Childress is throwing his support behind the #8 driver, though there’s a catch: they need the green light from Jim Campbell, the Vice President of Chevrolet US.

Speaking to NBC, Childress mentioned, “Kyle’s call to make that decision. I’d support it for sure.” He went on to say, “We’ve talked a little about it. The right opportunities, the right team, the right situation, we would want to do it and I’m sure Kyle would do it.“ Interestingly, Kyle Larson could also take another shot at it if he wants, making it intriguing to see if Campbell will give Kyle Busch the thumbs up to compete at the Indy 500—potentially putting two NASCAR stars in the mix.

What do you think about this level of support from an owner? Do you believe Joe Gibbs might let Denny Hamlin try something similar?