NASCAR Insiders Question Whether Kyle Busch Has Won His Last Cup Race

Struggles at Richard Childress Racing raise doubts about Busch's future success

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:08pm

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NASCAR insiders are questioning whether Kyle Busch, who last won a Cup Series race in June 2023, has won his final race in the top NASCAR series. Busch's struggles at the rebuilding Richard Childress Racing team have led some to believe he may not win again, with The Athletic's Jordan Bianchi saying "Does Kyle Busch win again? Maybe you shouldn't consider Kyle Busch a moving target. It's like a stationery target right now."

Why it matters

Busch is one of the most successful active NASCAR drivers, with two Cup Series championships and 60 career wins. His potential decline raises questions about the remainder of his career and whether he can catch up to drivers like Denny Hamlin on the all-time wins list.

The details

Busch has been an open critic of NASCAR's Next Gen car, introduced in 2022, and his struggles at the rebuilding RCR team have been evident. He finished 15th at the Daytona 500 and is still seeking his first top-10 finish of the 2026 season. At Las Vegas, Busch went multiple laps down in Stage 2 and finished 28th, with The Athletic's Jeff Gluck saying "Certainly, things are not going well for Kyle Busch for RCR. It's getting uncomfortable to watch. They are way off."

  • Busch last won a Cup Series race in June 2023.
  • Denny Hamlin picked up his 61st career Cup Series win on March 17, 2026, breaking a tie with Kevin Harvick for 10th on the all-time wins list.

The players

Kyle Busch

A two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion with 60 career wins, Busch is currently struggling with the rebuilding Richard Childress Racing team.

Denny Hamlin

A 45-year-old NASCAR driver who has 61 career Cup Series wins, putting him in 10th place on the all-time wins list.

Jordan Bianchi

A writer for The Athletic who questioned whether Busch will win another Cup Series race.

Jeff Gluck

A writer for The Athletic who said Busch's struggles at RCR are "uncomfortable to watch" and that the team is "way off."

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What they’re saying

“Does Kyle Busch win again? Maybe you shouldn't consider Kyle Busch a moving target. It's like a stationery target right now.”

— Jordan Bianchi, Writer, The Athletic (The Teardown)

“Certainly, things are not going well for Kyle Busch for RCR. It's getting uncomfortable to watch. They are way off.”

— Jeff Gluck, Writer, The Athletic (The Athletic)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.