Pohlman Takes Helm at RCR as Busch Looks for Revival
Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has reinforced its aspirations for the 2026 season by appointing Jim Pohlman as the new crew chief for Kyle Busch’s No. 8 team. Pohlman, who previously contributed to RCR’s Xfinity Series program, steps in after a successful tenure at JR Motorsports, where he secured nine wins and the 2024 Xfinity Series title with Justin Allgaier.
Pohlman expressed optimism about his partnership with Busch, emphasizing their shared passion for success. “He’s passionate. I’m passionate. The end goal is that he wants to win races, and he was crystal clear about that,” Pohlman stated. Busch, who has struggled with performance since his 2023 acquisition by RCR, believes Pohlman’s extensive experience is crucial for rejuvenating his competitive edge.
While Pohlman has limited Cup Series crew chief experience, having last led Juan Pablo Montoya in 2011, he brings valuable insights from his involvement in the development of the Next Gen car during his previous roles. “To move forward, obviously, I’m three years behind. Things have developed and changed,” Pohlman acknowledged, highlighting the challenges ahead regarding aerodynamics, tires, and horsepower.
Pohlman’s hands-on approach aims to uplift team morale during challenging periods. “The mental side of the sport is tough… when I’m on point and my morale is high, the rest of the race team is hitting on all eight cylinders,” he said, signaling his intent to foster a positive environment.
Busch will look to improve upon a streak of winless seasons, with RCR achieving only two victories over the past two years. As Pohlman transitions back to RCR, both he and Busch express a mutual determination to elevate the team’s performance and return to winning form.
