Kyle Busch Extends Contract with Richard Childress Racing Through 2026
CHARLOTTE, NC — Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch will continue his partnership with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) through the 2026 season. The announcement was made at Charlotte Motor Speedway, solidifying a pivotal commitment as Busch’s current contract was set to expire at the end of this season.
Richard Childress expressed enthusiasm about Busch’s performance and the future, stating, “We’re really excited. Kyle has been great to work with… I still think that Kyle will win him a championship, and we want it to happen at RCR.” Childress emphasized ongoing engineering advancements and competitive aspirations, highlighting, “This car is a lot different… we’re stepping our engineering up more.”
Although Childress hinted at possible discussions for an extension beyond 2026, he noted that those decisions will be addressed in due time, indicating a proactive approach toward maintaining a competitive edge.
Busch, who has piloted the No. 8 Chevrolet since the start of the 2023 season after a lengthy tenure with Joe Gibbs Racing, reflected positively on his experience at RCR. He acknowledged, “I want to give thanks to Richard… it’s a great place to be, a great atmosphere, and a lot of grit and determination… We have certainly had our battles.”
In his inaugural season with RCR, Busch secured three victories but encountered a winless streak in 2024. Currently, he sits 17th in the championship standings as the series approaches the Coca-Cola 600. Busch noted, “There are a lot of areas where we can improve… this sport is very tough… I feel like there were some things that we were doing within the rules that got us some extra speed."
Busch acknowledged the importance of his relationship with teammate Austin Dillon, stating, “He’s been a really good resource to rely on as well.”
Looking toward the future, Busch remains noncommittal about retirement, referencing potential Truck Series races alongside his son, Brexton, as a long-term goal. “That would be an idea of when I would look at stepping aside, but that’s a long way out,” he clarified.
As Busch and RCR aim for success, their ongoing partnership promises to be a significant narrative in the upcoming NASCAR seasons.
