Kyle Busch Puts Beloved Classic on the Block as NASCAR Struggles Keep Mounting

The spotter tried to settle things down, reminding everyone that frustration wasn’t going to fix the situation. That the team needed to stay together. It didn’t really land. Silence followed. Then the crew chief chimed in with a comment that sounded less like motivation and more like exhaustion.

Same thing every week.

That’s not what you expect to hear from a championship-caliber operation, but it’s where they are right now.

Busch later pointed to handling issues, specifically the rear of the car, saying it was a problem from the start. They lost track position in the final stage and never recovered. That part checks out. Once you’re stuck a lap down at Bristol, especially without elite speed, you’re basically done.

Still, explanations only go so far when the results keep stacking up.

Here’s where it gets complicated. Busch isn’t just another driver trying to find pace. He’s one of the most accomplished drivers of his generation. The expectation isn’t just to compete, it’s to win. And not once in a while. Regularly.

So when the performance drops off like this, people notice.

Selling the Thunderbird doesn’t fix any of that, obviously. But it does add an interesting layer to the moment he’s in. Part of the proceeds are going toward the Bundle of Joy Fund, which gives the sale a bigger purpose beyond just moving a car. That matters. It shows there’s still a sense of perspective in the middle of all this.

At the same time, it’s hard to ignore the contrast.

On one side, a pristine classic, restored to perfection, admired, celebrated, ready to draw attention on the auction stage. On the other, a race program that’s fighting just to stay relevant week to week.

And no, those two things aren’t directly connected. But they exist in the same timeline, and that’s enough to make people look twice.

Kansas is next, and Busch doesn’t have the luxury of easing into it. The points standings aren’t forgiving, and sitting 24th after eight races isn’t where any top-tier driver wants to be. Especially not one with his resume.

There’s still time in the season. Plenty of it. But the trend needs to change soon.

Selling this Friday afternoon, Lot # 457 @Barrett_Jackson West Palm Beach, 1957 Ford Thunderbird that @SamanthaBusch and I have owned and enjoyed for 12 years. This is an award winning car that’s been completely restored. It’s selling No Reserve! Excited about being at… pic.twitter.com/Yo3RWjvIqa

— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) April 14, 2026

Because streaks like this don’t just disappear on their own.

And while a classic Thunderbird might find a new home by Friday afternoon, Busch is still searching for something a lot harder to lock down right now.

Speed.