Denny Hamlin Declares RCR Cars Aren’t Sole Reason Behind Kyle Busch’s Dismal 2026

JGR’s Denny Hamin pointed out that Kyle Busch is equally responsible for the poor streak of results RCR is experiencing over the last two years.

Denny Hamlin Declares RCR Cars Aren’t Sole Reason Behind Kyle Busch’s Dismal 2026

Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch (Via IMAGO)

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The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season so far hasn’t been kind to two times champion Kyle Busch. From the first 31 races, he has scored just 8 top-10 finishes, with P5 being his best result while his teammate Austin Dillon won a race. Now his ex-teammate Denny Hamlin has analysed the abysmal run from the RCR driver and new changes coming to the team.

Kyle Busch’s crew chief Randall Burnett, whole helped the veteran to win three races at the start of 2023, has decided to leave the team at the end of the season to join Conor Zilisch for his rookie season at Trackhouse in 2026. That means Busch and Richard Childress has find the right replacement, while also making some significant change for 2026 in order get back to winning ways.

Talking about the situation on the latest episode of the Actions Detrimental podcast, Denny Hamlin pointed out that everyone at RCR needs a change as with the right people around him, Busch is still capable of dominating the Cup series. At the same time, the veteran also needs to step up as his poor runs are not just because of the cars.

I think he needed a change. I think all parties need a change. Certainly, Kyle’s going through it right now. The performance is not there. I am a believer that Kyle Busch still has the ability to go win races. I do think that his cars are off, but I don’t think they’re off to the extent that we’re seeing on Sundays.

Denny Hamlin said via Actions Detrimental podcast.

The No:11 TRD driver pointed out that Kyle Busch is seems to be making more mistakes in the last two season, and this has played a big role in the poor results they have accumulated. Everyone at RCR should take the responsibility for the lack of results and need to use this opportunity to his advantage.

I don’t know that Randall Burnett is making the car spin out every week or hit the wall every week. There’s got to be a little bit of shared responsibility in what’s going on with Kyle right now, but certainly it’s not good. So, I think everyone just wanted a change of scenery — they’re all going to get it.

Denny Hamlin added.

NASCAR insider explains how Denny Hamlin can save Kyle Busch’s career

Talking about the Kyle Busch situation, prominent NASCAR insider Danielle Trotta explained a way for Denny Hamlin to save his ex-teammates career. He believes the veteran can get the RCR driver back to the Toyota garage by signing him for 23XI Racing’s third car, replacing Riley Herbst.

Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch
Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch (Via IMAGO)

I’ll tell you where I would want to put him if I could. I would put him in that third 23XI car. He has a great relationship with Denny, they get on great, he knows the Toyota landscape, Riley Herbst is not performing, and he’s got a little money that he brings with him in sponsorship.

Danielle Trotta said on Sirius XM.

Kyle Busch should take advantage of the good relationship they have and ask his friend for a favor. He can lead 23XI just like his brother Kurt Busch did before the injury forced him retire. At the moment RCR isn’t on the right track and Busch is facing the possibility of ending his career without another win, which is unimaginable for all the fans.

Like if I’m Denny, if I’m Kyle, I’m like ‘bro, do your boy a favor, get me in your car, I want to win again’… I don’t think he should hang it up. I mean I know what you’re saying, it’s tough to watch him run in the back, but I don’t want to see him walk away.

Danielle Trotta added.

It’s not a bad proposal and is something Hamlin can explore. Kyle Busch is still a big name and is capable of winning races, attracting sponsors and also help Tyler Reddick as well as Bubba Wallace to realize their full potential. But at the same time this move will affect their future plans for Corey Heim, who is without a doubt the biggest prodigy alongside Conor Zilisch, something they can’t afford to do.

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