“They aren’t your friends.” That’s how Kyle Busch once described his approach to racing, a mantra that fuelled his aggressive racing mentality on track. For years, Busch played the role of NASCAR’s ultimate villain. He was booed by crowds, feared by competitors, and was relentless in his pursuit of victory. However, Rowdy thrived on the chaos, using it as fuel to rack up more than 200 race victories and 2 Cup titles.

But things have changed. Busch is no longer the dominant force he once was. His 2024 season was a disaster as he failed to win a single race breaking his 19-year-long streak. He also failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2012. His move to Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has turned into a frustrating chapter filled with struggles and missed opportunities. However, while the fire may not burn as wildly as before, Busch isn’t giving up. According to his team boss, Richard Childress, the biggest change isn’t in Busch’s ability but it’s in his mindset.

Kyle Busch’s boss sheds light on his evolution as a driver

NASCAR Hall of Famer and Richard Childress Racing owner, Richard Childress, recently opened up about Busch’s evolving mindset. The NASCAR veteran believes that maturity, family responsibilities, and a different approach to racing have altered Rowdy’s persona. However, despite Busch’s struggles, his boss sees growth in his driver.

On the latest episode of The Dale Jr. Download, Childress shed light on how Busch has changed both as a competitor and a person.  “He’s working closely with everybody. He doesn’t come in—I mean, he has a right to. I mean, I get more wound up about running bad. I know he does too, but I think the word we use—we both matured a lot,” Childress told Dale Jr. Notably, Busch’s aggressive driving style hasn’t disappeared completely, but his response to adversity has changed. In the past, a bad race would have led to fiery interviews and public frustration. Now, Busch is handling setbacks differently. After multiple wrecks, spins, and a disappointing 15th-place finish, Busch acknowledged the issues without placing blame.

“The overall event at Bowman Gray Stadium was a good one. But it wasn’t the result we wanted for our Zone Chevrolet team. Randall and the No. 8 guys made adjustments during the break. And when we went back green, it was the best the car had felt,” Busch told media. This level-headed approach is a stark contrast to the Busch of old, who might have thrown his crew under the bus or taken his frustrations out on competitors.

One major factor in Busch’s evolution is his growing role as a mentor to his son, Brexton. Childress pointed out how this shift has impacted Busch’s mindset. “He wants him [Brexton] to have a different style. He wants him to win, and he is a winner. But I think those things mature you… You see things around you, how you’ve got to mature, and life changes always. Age changes all of us. He has a good, strong family relationship with his family. And I think he wants to show them the right way to go about things,” said Childress.

This responsibility might be softening Busch’s on-track demeanor, but it could also be the key to his resurgence. Notably, he has been participating in multiple dirt racing events like Tulsa Shootout and Chili Bowl Nationals with his son. Many feel that watching his son develop as a racer might reignite the hunger in Busch that has been missing. However, not everyone sees Busch’s transformation as a positive. NASCAR analyst Kenny Wallace believes his struggles go beyond personal growth.

Trending

1

“I’d Have Smacked Him”: NASCAR Veteran Sends a Strong Message to Defend Dale Earnhardt Jr. Against Fans’ Hate

2

Roger Penske’s Final Hopes Slipping Away as NASCAR Fans Prepare for Honda

3

Richard Petty Calls for NASCAR to Return to Its Roots Amid Fans Growing Resentment

4

Bubba Wallace Proposes a Bold Solution to End NASCAR’s Hypocrisy on Dangerous Daytona Finish

5

Rick Hendrick Accused of ‘Burying’ Ross Chastain’s Real Persona as Fans Insinuate Trackhouse’s Exit From Chevy

Kenny Wallace’s candid take on Busch’s struggles

While Kyle Busch’s struggles are evident veteran NASCAR analyst Kenny Wallace believes his biggest problem lies elsewhere—his team. After Busch’s struggles in the pre-season clash at Bowman Gray Stadium Wallace hit hard at Richard Childress and Co. Wallace didn’t hold back, arguing that Busch’s move to Richard Childress Racing (RCR) was a career misstep.

“Now they come out with this new Next Gen car, and it’s all based on engineers. So Kyle cannot make that up. So as great as Kyle Busch is, in a weird way, he’s with the wrong team now. Kyle Busch wanted to keep making big money, and Joe Gibbs said, ‘I can’t pay you that, but I can pay you a little less. And the little less is still like millions’”, says Kenny Wallace.

His comments raise a difficult question: Has Busch’s talent been neutralized by his equipment? When he was at Joe Gibbs Racing, he had top-tier cars capable of winning races. Since moving to RCR, his results have been inconsistent at best. Wallace believes Busch made the wrong bet when he left JGR. He gambled on himself, thinking he could win anywhere. But NASCAR’s team dynamics proved otherwise.

Notably, the struggles at RCR aren’t exclusive to Busch. His teammate, Austin Dillon, has also failed to make an impact. This suggests that the issue isn’t just with Busch but with the team’s overall competitiveness. Wallace believes that if Busch continues to underperform, he may have to consider another move. The 2025 season will be crucial in determining Rowdy’s career as he will be keen to end 57 race winless streak.