Rowdy built a career defined by relentless determination, thrilling wins, and no shortage of rivalries. From his early days in the Nationwide Series to his current success in the Cup Series, Kyle Busch has never been one to back down from a challenge. But, for all the new technology and innovation that’s swept through NASCAR in recent years, even Busch seems to be feeling the pull of nostalgia for the way racing used to be.

There’s something about those unforgettable battles with fellow legends that stands out in his mind. Racing wasn’t just about the car or the track; it was about the driver pushing their limits against equally talented rivals. One of the biggest matchups of Busch’s career was his rivalry with Carl Edwards, which gave fans some of the most memorable moments in NASCAR history. When an old race surfaced on X that showed how tough their rivalry was back in the day, Kyle Busch couldn’t help but comment on it.

Kyle Busch’s thoughts on NASCAR today

Recently, Busch made it clear that he feels the magic of those past battles is slipping away, with the Next-Gen car at the center of his discontent. This new era of NASCAR, where technology and standardized designs have taken a front seat, just doesn’t deliver the same rush, according to Busch.

Looking back to 2011, when Busch and Edwards went head-to-head at Phoenix, it’s easy to see what Busch misses. That year, Busch dominated the Nationwide race weekend from start to finish. He won the pole, led every lap, and made it to victory lane in both the Truck Series and Nationwide races. But Edwards wasn’t ready to hand it over easily.

For Busch, those duels weren’t just competitions; they were tests of skill and endurance. Unlike today, where standardized setups and uniform cars limit a driver’s unique edge, those battles allowed each driver to push their machine and themselves to the absolute limit. Edwards was one of the few rivals who could keep up with Busch and push him harder, a challenge that Busch respected and, in a way, craved.

Recently, a fan stumbled upon a golden moment from NASCAR history and decided to share it on X (formerly Twitter), giving everyone a blast from the past. The post showcased an epic race from 2011 at Phoenix, where Kyle Busch was on an absolute tear. It was peak Busch, but even with his near-perfect performance, Carl Edwards didn’t let him have it easy. The fan’s caption summed it up perfectly: Busch was in control, but Edwards managed to give him one last, intense challenge before the checkered flag waved.

Even Rowdy caught wind of the post and added a reply that spoke volumes: “You don’t see much racing like this anymore.” In that short sentence, he managed to capture a bittersweet nostalgia, pointing out how the sport has changed over the years. That gritty, driver-versus-driver battle has become a rare sight in the current NASCAR landscape, and Busch’s comment showed that even he misses the days when it was all about heart, skill, and fearless competition.

The Next-Gen cars have changed how NASCAR has been operating and that’s visible from Kyle Busch losing his winning streak.

Kyle Busch had a winless 2024

After 19 seasons of winning at least one race each year, Kyle Busch’s legendary streak finally came to an end in 2024, a tough reality that the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion has had to grapple with.  But despite his best efforts—and some heart-pounding finishes—luck just wasn’t on his side. Ending the season with a 21st-place finish in Phoenix, Busch’s final shot to extend his record streak slipped through his fingers, marking the close of an era for the 38-year-old driver.

It was a difficult moment for Rowdy and the team. Starting 2023 with

Richard Childress Racing, Busch had a strong start, taking wins and finishing within the top 10 consistently. However, the team lacked performance consistently over the months, leading to a slow decline. Some argued that RCR never got a proper understanding of the Next-Gen car, leading to stagnating results. For Busch, it meant the loss of a record he held for 20 years.

Busch took to social media to share his thoughts on what he called “arguably the toughest year” of his career. He expressed gratitude to his team at Richard Childress Racing, as well as the fans who’ve stood by him through thick and thin. Though it was a year of heartbreak, Busch emphasized that he and his team focus on the work ahead for 2025, ready to return stronger and reclaim their spot at the top. And as he thanked “Rowdy Nation” for their unwavering support, it was clear that his spirit—and his determination—remain unshaken, even as he faces a new chapter in his storied career.

With that said, do you think that Kyle Busch will have a better year in 2025 and redeem himself as a championship-winning driver? Share your thoughts in the comments below.