Kyle Busch crashes in NASCAR race at Phoenix

The Richard Childress Racing driver has struggled all weekend at the Phoenix Raceway event.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Kyle Busch, driving for Richard Childress Racing, had a disastrous day at the NASCAR Cup Series race in Phoenix. After qualifying 29th and getting lapped in Stage 1, Busch suffered a flat right-front tire on Lap 93 in Stage 2 while running in 31st place, causing him to crash into the wall.

Why it matters

Busch is a veteran NASCAR driver and former champion, so his struggles at this race are surprising and noteworthy. The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of auto racing and the challenges drivers can face, even for top-tier teams and drivers.

The details

Busch's No. 8 Chevrolet was fighting handling issues throughout the race, leading to him being lapped early on. Then on Lap 93 of Stage 2, Busch's car suffered a flat right-front tire, causing him to lose control and crash hard into the wall. The incident brought out a caution flag and ended Busch's day prematurely.

  • Busch qualified 29th for the race on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
  • Busch was lapped by the leaders during Stage 1 of the race.
  • The crash occurred on Lap 93 of Stage 2 on March 8, 2026.

The players

Kyle Busch

A veteran NASCAR driver and former champion, currently racing for Richard Childress Racing.

Richard Childress Racing

The NASCAR team that fields the car driven by Kyle Busch.

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What’s next

Busch and his team will need to assess the damage to the car and determine if they can make repairs to get back on track before the end of the race.

The takeaway

This incident is a setback for Kyle Busch and Richard Childress Racing, who were hoping for a strong performance at Phoenix. It serves as a reminder that even top drivers and teams can face unexpected challenges in the unpredictable world of NASCAR racing.