“Not Running Like Kyle Busch”- HMS Legend Blown Away by RCR Superstar’s Odds Despite “Whipping in Everyone’s A**” at Darlington

With the NASCAR regular season’s thrilling conclusion at Daytona last week, the racing world is now abuzz with anticipation as the playoffs kick off at Darlington Raceway. The iconic ‘Too Tough to Tame’ track is set for an epic showdown, with 16 drivers vying for a coveted spot in the Playoffs Round of 12.

As fans and pundits gear up for the high-stakes battles ahead, predictions are running wild. Darlington’s storied history offers a glimpse into the past, where one name stands out despite misleading statistics that fail to capture the true essence of a driver’s potential.

Recent discussions on the Dirty Mo Media podcast dissected driver performances, sparking a spirited debate about where Richard Childress‘ star driver truly belongs in the NASCAR hierarchy.

Richard Childress’ Ace on third-tier terrain?

During a recent episode of the Dirty Mo Media podcast, all eyes were on Steve Letarte as he delved into the driver predictions for the upcoming race at Darlington. As the discussion progressed, a burning question emerged: Does Kyle Busch belong on the list of drivers with high expectations?

The discussion was sparked when Hendrick Motorsports crew chief Steve Letarte was presented with the list of Tier 3 driver predictions for the upcoming race.

Letarte couldn’t hide his surprise as he scrutinized the list, remarking, “Okay, there’s one name that doesn’t look like the rest down here”. The name in question was none other than Kyle Busch, a driver with a storied history of success.

He continued, “How is Kyle Busch tier three? He blew up under caution, whipping everyone’s a** here last year.” Steve’s incredulity was palpable, and it was clear that he expected more from the two-time champion.

Read more: “Let Him Off the Hook His Entire Career” – Dale Earnhardt Jr Took Aim at “Obnoxious” Kyle Busch This Season at Darlington

However, the predictor was quick to offer a counterargument grounded in recent statistics. “I understand that,” he said, “But he’s been 38th or worse in three of the last four races there. He only has two finishes of 14th or better in the last seven races this season. Like, he’s not running like Kyle Busch. I’m not saying he’s gonna go out here and win this weekend, but the numbers have not been good for him lately.“

Kyle Busch’s 2022 Darlington disaster from dominance to disappointment

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Kyle Busch’s 2022 Darlington race is destined to be a chapter in history books. It’s a glaring example of the highs and lows that can unfold on the racetrack. Leading a staggering 155 laps, his No. 18 Toyota seemed poised for victory. But the race took a dramatic twist, resulting in a baffling P30 finish that encapsulated a story of frustration and heartbreak, ultimately leading to Busch’s elimination from the 2022 playoffs’ first round.

In the late stages of the race at Darlington in 2022, with just 30 laps to go and a comfortable P2 position, Busch faced adversity as he reported a power steering issue while temperatures began to climb. Undeterred, he displayed his driving prowess by overtaking Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Martin Truex Jr. to claim the lead.

As fate would have it, the race’s ninth caution emerged when Cody Ware collided with the wall, prompting all cars to pit. The No. 18 team executed a flawless pit stop, allowing Busch to exit the pit and retain his lead.

However, the turning point came under caution as the No. 18 experienced an engine failure that abruptly dropped him from the lead to a disappointing 30th-place finish, leaving him and his team with a bitter taste of what could have been on that fateful night at Darlington.

WATCH THIS STORY: Names of 4 NASCAR Teams in the Kyle Busch Saga Reportedly Exposed & None of Them is Hendrick Motorsports – Fans React

With the 2023 spectacle just around the corner, will Kyle Busch defy the recent statistics and drive his way to victory lane? As the tension mounts and the playoffs heat up, one thing is certain: Darlington will test his mettle to stay in championship contention.