Denny Hamlin discusses Kyle Busch's decline in the NextGen car

TL;DR

Kyle Busch has faced challenges with Richard Childress Racing, winning only three races in 2023 and not securing a victory in over 100 races. Denny Hamlin expressed doubts about Busch's ability to succeed in the NextGen car, suggesting that significant changes are needed for improvement.

Key points

Kyle Busch has struggled with Richard Childress Racing.
He has not won a NASCAR Cup Series race in over 100 races.
Denny Hamlin doubts Busch's ability to succeed in the NextGen car.

Mentioned in this story

Denny Hamlin

Richard Childress RacingKyle Busch

Kyle Busch has struggled with Richard Childress Racing over the last three years. Despite winning three races in 2023, Busch hasn't won in over 100 races and sits far out of the Chase picture. The Richard Childress Racing driver has struggled, leading to speculation about his NASCAR Cup Series future beyond the 2026 season.

Denny Hamlin, who hosts the Action Detrimental podcast, discussed Busch's decline as a former teammate at Joe Gibbs Racing. Hamlin stressed that his former Toyota teammate might not have what it takes in the NextGen car.

“If you're expecting Kyle Busch to just go back to Victory Lane on a regular basis, you are kidding yourselves and you're going to be very disappointed," Hamlin said. "I just think that until we change cars or something changes, something has to change. I don't know what. I have no idea. I'm not in his shoes. I'm not his crew chief. I'm not his engineer. And I'm not his team owner. So I'm not in the weeds. I'm just a podcaster that happens to be on the racetrack around him. And I can just say that it's just not working. But I don't I don't have the answers. And we need to just live in this reality for the time being.”

Richard Childress Racing has struggled over the last few NASCAR seasons, but Busch isn't elevating the No. 8 team with his all world talent. It has been a confusing couple of seasons for the two-time Cup Series champion. A change of scenery could be the answer, but maybe it lies within the NextGen car right now.

More: Why Kyle Busch should find a new NASCAR Cup Series team for 2027

This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: Denny Hamlin discusses Kyle Busch's decline in the NextGen car

Q&A

What has caused Kyle Busch's decline in performance with Richard Childress Racing?

Kyle Busch's decline is attributed to struggles with the team over the past three years, despite winning three races in 2023.

How long has it been since Kyle Busch last won a NASCAR Cup Series race?

Kyle Busch has not won a NASCAR Cup Series race in over 100 races.

What did Denny Hamlin say about Kyle Busch's future in NASCAR?

Denny Hamlin indicated that Busch may not return to Victory Lane regularly and suggested that changes are necessary for improvement, possibly related to the NextGen car.