Kyle Busch Exposes Truth Behind His “Rowdy” Nickname

NASCAR veteran Kyle Busch opened up on the origins of his favorite nickname in the sport with a connection to Tom Cruise.

Kyle Busch Exposes Truth Behind His “Rowdy” Nickname

Kyle Busch (Via IMAGO)

Kyle Busch is one of the biggest names in NASCAR. The two-time Cup Series champion is adored by millions of fans. Over the years, the 40-year-old has amassed a whole host of rather interesting nicknames. Now, Busch has finally revealed the reason for having received such names during his career.

The RCR star is often called by the nicknames- Rowdy, Wild Thing, Candyman, and Shrub. Though, all four names are liked by Kyle Busch, it is not a surprise that he has one favorite in particular.

The former Cup Series champion revealed that Rowdy was his most preferred nickname in the field. Kyle Busch finally gave fans an insight into the origins of this name. Busch claimed that this was inspired by the character Rowdy Burns in the iconic NASCAR film ‘Days of Thunder,’ starring Tom Cruise. The character, Rowdy Burns was played by Hollywood star Michael Rooker.

I would say Rowdy’s my favorite. The story behind that is obviously Days of Thunder. So I love the movie Days of Thunder. Rowdy Burns is one of the main characters in there.

Kyle Busch said on Subpar podcast.

When Busch entered NASCAR, he quickly became a prominent figure. The soon-to-be-champion was an aggressive driver who did not hold back from pushing to the limit. Kyle Busch reckoned that this sort of chaos that he created during his early days led to Rowdy becoming his nickname. The RCR star was so into his nickname that he even flipped his Truck Series number from No. 15 to No. 51 at Billy Ballew Motorsports. This was an attempt for Busch to have the same number as Rowdy Burns.

I was sort of doing things my own way and making my own name for myself and causing a little bit of crazy and havoc on the way there. So, hence the name Rowdy. “Well, just take 15, flip it backwards, and it’ll be 51. We’ll make it look like the Rowdy Burns car from the movie Days of Thunder, all black and everything, and I’ll be Rowdy.

Kyle Busch explained.

Richard Childress pinpoints moment that ‘bit’ Kyle Busch

Kyle Busch joined RCR in 2023 after a long and successful stint with Joe Gibbs Racing. Fans had high expectations for Busch’s journey with Richard Childress as the latter had formed an iconic pairing with Dale Earnhardt Jr. However, the two-time Cup Series champion has faded away this year and is currently going through the longest winless streak of his career.

Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch (Via @KyleBusch/X)

Richard Childress has continued to support Busch despite his underwhelming start to the season. The two have even extended their current deal till the end of 2026. Reflecting upon Kyle Busch’s stint at his team, the NASCAR legend insisted that things had started great with three wins. Unfortunately, Childress accepted that some changes in the engineering side of things ended up ‘biting’ the 40-year-old. Though, the RCR owner was confident that his star driver will bounce back as soon as he gets comfortable with the car again.

First year we won three races right out of the bat. We’ve changed a little in our engineering and I think that bit us just a little, but he’s (Kyle Busch) right, we got to get the car to the field that he wants. These cars are different, and once we get that feel he wants, it’s gonna be katie bar the door.

Richard Childress said via Bob Pockrass.

Certainly, Kyle Busch’s recent performances have been far from what he is known for. The ‘Rowdy’ of NASCAR might be seen as a shadow of his former self by some in the field. Yet, the former Cup Series champion has the ability to strike back. Fans will be hoping that Busch is able to get back to winning ways soon.

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