Kyle Busch has been the subject of NASCAR silly season speculation for months, with many wondering if the future Hall of Famer will remain with Richard Childress Racing. What seemed to be a foregone conclusion is now no longer the case.
NASCAR reporter Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic reported that it’s now “increasingly likely” that Busch signs a new contract with RCR. The two sides are expect to “remain together” and eventually sign a long-term deal.
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Busch has now gone 105 races without a Cup Series win and he currently ranks 24th in points, behind teammate Austin Dillon and just ahead of Erik Jones.
The issues resulted in RCR making another crew chief change for the No. 8 team, bringing in Andy Street to replace Jim Pohlman. It’s a move that has seemed to pay off, with Busch posting two top-10 finishes in the last three races, and it would’ve been three consecutive top-10s if not for his revenge against John Hunter Nemechek on the final lap at Texas.
There’s one other reason Busch might re-sign with RCR. Hendrick, Joe Gibbs Racing, Team Penske and 23XI Racing don’t want him and don’t view the 41-year-old as a clear upgrade over what they have. That leaves a return to RCR as potentially Busch’s best, of limited, options.
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Who Could Replace Kyle Busch at RCR?
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
While Richard Childress Racing obviously would like to have Busch back in the No. 8 car for the 2027 season, they do have options. If he decides to leave or his contract demands prove too much, there are two names to keep in mind as replacements.
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The most obvious is RCR prospect Jesse Love. In his age-21 season, Love is already a part-time driver in the No. 33 car for RCR and he’s in the mix to win the Xfinity Series this season.
Love, the reigning Xfinity Series champion, was previously viewed as an option for Legacy Motor Club in 2027 before their search focused on Riley Herbst. One reason for that could be the expectation that Love is destined to take over the No. 8 car.
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If RCR determined that Love wasn’t quite ready for a full-time seat at the Cup Series level, the team could give Austin Hill a shot. He’s proven to be far better racing in the lower levels than Cup, but he could be a short-term option until Love takes over.
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