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via Getty

via Getty

Not a lot of drivers on the NASCAR grid have had a career in which they raced for the 3 juggernauts of NASCAR: Rick Hendrick, Joe Gibbs, and Richard Childress. 2-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch holds that distinction. Beginning his career with HMS, he moved to JGR to spend 15 seasons and now races for RCR in 2023. His last championship coming back in 2019, the No. 8 driver has been racing with the hopes of bagging it again before the curtains draw on his illustrious career.

Entering the first race of the season’s round of 12, he looks set to take the challenges ahead head-on. Speaking to the media before the race at Texas, he revealed the playoff experience across the 3 teams that he has driven for and admitted feeling the pressure.

2-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch makes an honest admission about his past

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Both times Kyle Busch won his championships, he was wearing the colors of Joe Gibbs Racing. Despite that, he’d decided to make a move to Richard Childress’s outfit in the hopes that it would be the best paddock for him to have the best shot at getting his third. Making the move at the onset of this year, he’d said, “As I begin the next chapter of my career, I’m looking forward to driving for RCR and working with everyone there to add more wins and championships to both of our resumes.”

Read More: Issues With Richard Childress Reach a Tipping Point as Kyle Busch Openly Slams the Team

Though the new combination has had problems this year, it has proven worthy of Kyle’s words and has been progressing at a strong pace. As we approach the Texas race in just a few hours, the driver answered questions from the media and revealed the shift in playoff dynamics from his past to the present. Admitting the pressure he feels now, he said, “As a JGR or an HMS guy, you’re expected to transfer through – make it through and be in contention for the final four spots. And so, probably where I’m at, I think the Round of 16, a lot of people had us out. And so the Round of 12, I’m sure there’s going to be a lot more that will probably have us out.”

USA Today via Reuters

Questions and doubts always arise when an accomplished driver makes a transfer. But the ongoing season has proven enough to show that Kyle Busch has still got the knack to win races. But as underlined by his mission statement, the job is not done for the No. 8 team yet.

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Richard Childress’s new driver puts his focus on the season finale at Phoenix despite feeling pressure

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Busch’s experience at NASCAR’s top tier spans 21 long years. Spending such a long time behind the wheel of a high-performance machine undoubtedly provides an advantage over the younger horses on the field. But is that all that is required to win the rest of the race and be in contention at Phoenix? Before now and the season finale in November, there are 6 tracks where races are to be held. Despite experience and history, it is the on-day performance at these tracks that will matter the most and serve as a decision-maker. Kyle Busch appears to be aware of this.

USA Today via Reuters

He said, “Honestly, it’s just as simple as winning at Texas (Motor Speedway) and winning at Las Vegas (Motor Speedway) and you’re going to Phoenix (Raceway), you know what I mean. That’s all we can really focus on right now – what’s in front of us and this weekend is Texas.” Shortly, cars will begin aligning themselves on the grid at the Texas Motor Speedway. Considering that his last two appearances at this track ended in accidents, Kyle will be hoping to pull off a strong performance that doesn’t get spoiled by matters outside his control. Watch the Essentially Sports NASCAR page for further updates on the race weekend and Rowdy’s performance!

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Watch this Story: Samantha Busch Expresses Surprise at Fans Reaction to Denny Hamlin’s Win Over Kyle Busch