After a 15-year journey with Joe Gibbs Racing, Kyle Busch is embarking on a new chapter in his racing career in 2023. Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has taken the reins as Busch’s new owner, bringing along a fresh crew chief and a different manufacturer. With this change, Busch has high hopes for a successful season, and there are compelling reasons to believe he will thrive under the new setup. However, there is one caveat to consider.
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Reason One: The Next Gen Car Didn’t Cause Busch’s 2022 Struggles
The 2022 season was undeniably disappointing for Kyle Busch. With his highest average finish since 2014 and an unfortunate number of Did Not Finish (DNF) incidents, he finished 13th overall—a tying low since 2012. However, it’s crucial to note that Busch’s decline began in 2020. Despite his struggles, his finishing averages in 2021 were not significantly different from 2022 when excluding DNFs. With similar or better performances in most categories, Busch’s decline cannot be solely attributed to the Next Gen car.
Reason Two: Many Problems in 2022 Were Beyond Busch’s Control
When evaluating Busch’s performance in 2022, it is essential to consider the role of external factors. Busch encountered two engine failures during the playoffs, both while running at or near the front. Additionally, he started from the back twice due to necessary engine changes. At Pocono, a disqualification due to a piece of tape wiped out a second-place finish. Furthermore, a car overheating issue hampered his performance at Fontana. It is also worth noting that Toyota teams struggled to adapt to the Next Gen car, affecting multiple drivers’ performances. While Busch led the series in spins, the increase in spin incidents was a trend seen across the sport.
Reason Three: Busch is a Good Fit with RCR
Despite Richard Childress Racing’s recent struggles, with no drivers finishing in the top 10 since 2014, the team showed promise in 2022, securing four wins. Tyler Reddick, who will race for 23XI in 2023, performed exceptionally well at road courses. RCR specializes in building and setting up road course cars, an area where Busch has historically excelled. With a career win rate of 8.5% at road courses, Busch’s potential for success in this category is significant. Additionally, RCR’s strength lies in superspeedways, an area where Busch has struggled. His new teammate Austin Dillon has a remarkable 5.0% win rate at superspeedways, offering valuable insight and potential collaboration.
Potential Challenges Ahead
While Busch’s transition to RCR appears promising, there may be hurdles to overcome. As is often the case with new partnerships, personality clashes and cultural differences can strain driver-crew relationships, especially during challenging times. Busch’s impatience and desire for immediate success may require careful management from crew chief Randall Burnett. While Burnett seems to understand this dynamic, initial friction is not uncommon. If Busch and his new team can navigate these challenges successfully, there is every reason to expect a considerable improvement in his performance during the upcoming 2023 season.
In conclusion, as Kyle Busch embarks on a new racing journey with Richard Childress Racing, the stage is set for an exciting chapter in his career. With a fresh team, renowned expertise, and favorable track dynamics, Busch has the potential to rebound from his recent setbacks and make significant strides in the upcoming season. However, the success of this new partnership will ultimately depend on the ability to manage challenges and foster a cohesive environment. Fans and enthusiasts eagerly await the start of the 2023 season to witness Busch’s reinvigorated pursuit of victory on the racetrack.
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