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Kyle Busch’s Free Agency Dilemma

AVONDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 09: Kyle Busch, driver of the #8 Zone/QuikTrip Chevrolet, (R) and Ryan Preece, driver of the #60 Solomon Plumbing Ford, talk during the Drivers Meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Shriners Children's 500 at Phoenix Raceway on March 09, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Kauy Ostlien

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Royal T Grafix

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What’s Happening?

Kyle Busch is currently in one of the worst stretches of his career. A long losing streak, combined with heartbreakingly close losses, have raised questions about KFB’s plans in NASCAR. While some of his fans want Busch to move on from Richard Childress Racing, the grass may not be greener on the other side.

RCR’s Spiral and Busch’s Late Career Mover

It’s no secret that Richard Childress Racing is far from the days of Dale Earnhardt and Kevin Harvick. In fact, since Harvick left after 2013, the team only has 12 wins.

The team also has nine wins since 2020, thanks in part to former driver Tyler Reddick, some less-than-masterful wins from Austin Dillon, and three from future hall-of-fame talent Kyle Busch. Busch joined the team after a sputtering end to his time with Joe Gibbs Racing; after the departure of sponsor Mars, Busch was on the market for a ride, and RCR, soon to lose Reddick to 23XI Racing, made a move.

While the first half of 2023 was good, with the team scoring their third win that summer at Gateway, the team and driver have gone winless, with loyal Busch fans begging the driver to leave the team. Rumor has it that Busch is in the option year of his contract with RCR, and fans are already theorizing that he should move on.

The Case to Leave

Busch’s case to leave RCR is clear; he is in a 65-race winless drought, the team itself is more productive on the Xfinity Series side of things, and Busch is not getting any younger.

For much of last year, fans theorized Busch could take over the No. 19 at JGR, race the No. 48 at Hendrick Motorsports, or even race the No. 7 at Spire Motorsports. Of course, as we now sit a large portion into the 2025 season, none of these happened, as RCR made the right call and exercised their option.

Now, if Busch does leave, fans are theorizing he could race at Trackhouse Racing, Kaulig Racing, or Legacy Motor Club in 2026. Some even point to him racing at RFK Racing in 2027. Should Busch leave RCR, he wouldn’t leave the team empty-handed, as Xfinity prospect Jesse Love looks more and more ready for Cup action every week.

So, with potential opportunities elsewhere, Busch should absolutely leave RCR. Right?

Realistic? Yes. Likely? We’ll See.

Fans’ ideas about Busch’s future are, of course, just ideas. No one knows where Rowdy will race in 2026, let alone 2027. Using this logic, perhaps by this time next year, he will be five for five in the Craftsman Truck Series, racing IndyCar full-time, or back at RCR.

So, let’s look at these ideas.

Kaulig has a history of shaking it up year to year, but this looks like the first stable lineup in the team’s Cup Series tenure (unless one of their drivers retires.) Legacy Motor Club is an interesting case. The team is focused on the long term and is expanding with a newly acquired Charter. However, whether that expansion is in 2026 or 2027 is pending an ongoing lawsuit.

These are the most likely options that could become reality. The other two require numerous changes and decisions that could hypothetically result in Busch scoring a ride.

Far-Fetched

For example, could Trackhouse move on from Daniel Suarez after this year? Perhaps. Suarez has a lot to prove and a lot left out on the track. Furthermore, Connor Zilisch looks primed for a Cup Series spot. If the team elects one more developmental season for Zilsich, they may need a stop-gap.

Finally, the RFK theory hinges on Brad Keselowski retiring and the team not finding a young replacement. In this wild scenario, the team hypothetically bringing on Busch only ages their veteran roster, leaving holes for the long term.

Obviously, these are far-fetched ideas. However, they come off the 2024 silly season in which an entire team shuttered and four expanded. So, there are lofty expectations for this Silly Season.

Is RCR Busch’s Only Option?

It is early to have this conversation in 2025; however, it never really ended last season. Given his potential job prospects and current seat, if RCR wants Busch back, there may not be a real choice for the veteran if he wants a real shot at winning races. Despite what his fans want, there is a real case that KFB will be back at No. 8 in 2025.

Even if these jobs opened up, aside from RFK and Trackhouse, would they really be an upgrade for Busch? LMC is a backmarker of Toyota and is consistently outrun by RCR. Kaulig is essentially a satellite team of RCR, so that’s not really a move for Busch.

But we have seen some crazy moves in recent years; for all we know, a shocking move could trigger a domino effect, resulting in some surprising job openings at the Cup Series level.

Let us know your thoughts on this! Join the discussion on Discord or X, and remember to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more updates.

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AUSTIN, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 28: Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #9 Safety Culture Chevrolet, drives during the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Focused Health 250 at Circuit of The Americas on February 28, 2026 in Austin, Texas.

O’Reilly: SVG Wins at COTA

by Cody Williams

What’s Happening?

The checkered flag is out for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series competitors at COTA, and it was Shane van Gisbergen who was left standing tall at the end of the race. His 5th career O’Reilly Auto Parts Series victory, it was his first at the track.

  • The opening stage was dominated by the JRM duo of Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen with the No. 1 of Zilisch looking to be the stronger of the two early on. Prior to the end of the stage, both short-pitted, making a long-term play for the win. SVG still managed to end the stage in 10th.
  • Austin Hill stayed out after a disappointing showing in Atlanta last week to collect some stage points. Also running strong in the first stage were Justin Allgaier, Sam Mayer, Brandon Jones, and Jesse Love.
  • Despite not being in his usual ride, Carson Kvapil was very competitive in his DGM No. 91 Chevy. Granted, the car was prepared by JR Motorsports ahead of this race, but it was DGM guys running the show. They did an admirable job, bringing the car home in the 19th position after falling off late. He’ll have 5 more starts in the car later this year to fill out the remainder of his schedule.
  • The second stage belonged to Sam Mayer. Finishing 2nd in the first stage and winning Stage 2, he had a mighty good points day today. Meanwhile, his former teammate Justin Allgaier also had a strong finish in stage 2. That’s a promising sign, considering his heartbreaks in Daytona and Atlanta, respectively.
  • Connor Zilisch had far from a perfect race today. Sure, he led a bulk of the opening stage, but mechanical issues plagued him later in the race. Extra time on pit road making repairs put him behind the 8 ball in Stage 2. This put the race firmly in the hands of SVG. He did manage to battle back to the top 5 before he was dumped by Corey Day and the controversy around that driver continues to build. Zilisch brought it home in 21st with significant damage.
  • With Connor Zilisch’s issues, it was more or less a cakewalk for Shane van Gisbergen in the JRM No. 9. He went on to win, scoring his 5th career win in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. He has an opportunity to sweep the weekend. He starts tomorrow’s Cup race in the 13th position.

Race Results

Caution Tracker
  • Lap 20: End of Stage 1
  • Lap 35: Baltazar Leguizamon spins
  • Lap 40: End of Stage 2
  • Lap 57: Sage Karam

Points Standings

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AUSTIN, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 28: Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #9 Safety Culture Chevrolet, Connor Zilisch, driver of the #1 Roto-Rooter Chevrolet, and Austin Hill, driver of the #21 Bennett Transportation Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Focused Health 250 at Circuit of The Americas on February 28, 2026 in Austin, Texas.

O’Reilly: Mid-Race Report, It’s the Zilisch and SVG Show!

by Cody Williams

What’s Happening?

The first two stages are in the books for the stars of tomorrow in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at COTA. Predictably, Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen dominated the first two stages. As they short-pitted at the end of each stage, Austin Hill and Sam Mayer both went to collect stage wins, respectively. Here are the key takeaways from the race so far.

  • Austin Hill, after a disappointing finish to last week’s race in Atlanta following being sent by Ross Chastain, won the opening stage of the race. This was, of course, after Connor Zilisch and SVG short pitted, playing the long game for the win. Zilisch led a bulk of the opening stage, leading 12 of the opening 20 laps. On pit road, SVG managed to leapfrog Zilisch for the would-be race lead.
  • The only incident to note in the opening stage was when Jeremy Clements got off course. The caution did not fly, and he finished the stage in the 30th position.
  • Key drivers earning stage points in the opening stage include Austin Hill (10), Sam Mayer (9), Justin Allgaier (8), Brandon Jones (7), Jesse Love (6), Carson Kvapil (5), Corey Day (4), and Rajah Caruth (2).
  • The second stage wasn’t quite as cut and dry as the first. While battling for the lead, Connor Zilisch overdrove a corner, making an uncharacteristic mistake. He went over the radio to complain that it felt like his car was pulling to the right, an indication of a possible issue with his left side brakes.
  • There was a late caution in the stage as Baltazar Leguizamón suffered a brake failure and plowed hard into the tire barrier. He was okay but this effectively ended his day. SVG and Connor Zilisch both came down pit road during this caution. Zilisch had a slow stop as his No. 1 crew started to check out the right side of the car for potential brake problems. Sam Mayer went on to win the stage.
  • Earning stage points in the second stage were Sam Mayer (10), Justin Allgaier (9), Carson Kvapil (8), Jesse Love (7), Austin Hill (5), Sammy Smith (4), Brandon Jones (3), and Ryan Sieg (1).

What do you think about this? Let us know your opinion on Discord or X. Don’t forget that you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

AUSTIN, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 28: Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #9 Safety Culture Chevrolet, and Austin Hill, driver of the #21 Bennett Transportation Chevrolet, lead the field during the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Focused Health 250 at Circuit of The Americas on February 28, 2026 in Austin, Texas.

What to Keep an Eye on in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race at COTA

by Cody Williams

What’s Happening?

The NASCAR Saturday Double-Header continues with O’Reilly Auto Parts Series action from Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Here’s what you need to look out for and what to expect in today’s race.

  • Road course heavy hitters, Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen, are in the field today. You know what that means: another slobber knocker of a race between them as everyone else struggles to keep up. And, you guessed it: they both are starting on the front row with Zilisch claiming the pole in his No. 1 JRM Chevy. SVG is driving the No. 9.
  • Since Zilisch is in the No. 1, Carson Kvapil has been demoted to the No. 91 of DGM Racing. While the car is prepared by JR Motorsports, it won’t be his usual pit crew. Rather, his crew is made up entirely of DGM employees. So, there are a lot of unknowns for him heading into today’s race. He’s starting 6th.
  • Speaking of JRM, Rajah Caruth turned some heads in the first two races of this season. How will he fare on a road course? That No. 88 team is used to winning on these types of tracks. Keep an eye on him. Caruth is rolling off 19th.
  • Austin Hill bounces back after a disappointing finish last week in Atlanta, thanks to the ruthless bumper of Ross Chastain. He’s rolling off in the 3rd position.
  • Coverage for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at COTA begins at 3 PM EST on the CW.

Starting Lineup

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