Kyle Busch did not know what to truly expect when he left Joe Gibbs Racing for Richard Childress Racing after the 2022 season; however, it has gone incredibly well considering the transition that has taken place.
Busch, 38, is one of three drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series with more than one victory. The dangerous Hendrick Motorsports duo of Kyle Larson and William Byron represent the two other drivers.
There are plenty of reasons to be really optimistic about the 38-year-old driver’s changes this season. This is due to Busch’s strong start that will undoubtedly help build the foundation for what is to come.
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Kyle Busch discusses his strong start to the 2023 NASCAR season with Richard Childress Racing
Busch was the face of Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota Racing for over a decade but the long and successful partnership came to an end after Mars decided to leave the sport. It left the No. 18 car without a full-season sponsor and created a situation where the two parties split up.
Now, the No. 18 car is no longer running around the track with Joe Gibbs Racing as Busch flourishes in the No. 8 car for Richard Childress Racing. For a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, it must feel great to know that you still have what it takes to win races.
It was important for Busch to realize that because he only won four times in the last three seasons. Through 10 races in 2023, the Las Vegas native is on pace to match that total in just 20 races with Richard Childress Racing.
Following his first points-paying victory at a superspeedway track in 15 years, Busch talked about the success that he and the No. 8 team have seen to start the season and the importance of having that good start.
I think I said it in Fontana, I’ll say it again: the more wins you can get, the earlier you get ’em, the better your season is going to go. The points buildup is obviously what you strive for. Winning races in the playoffs obviously moves you through automatically to the next round. That’s a good plus, you get to carry the points late in the year too. I’ve always looked at having strong starts to seasons, that kind of solidifying your base for the remainder of your season.
Somebody told me this a long time ago, that any time you get to Charlotte, Coke 600, from there to the end of the season, points fluctuation, one or two spots barring something stupid happening. Three blown up motors in a row will hurt that. Other than that, the cycle of racing naturally, you’ll end up about the same spot. I always like to be having a good, strong start to build that foundation.”
Kyle Busch on the strong start to his first season with Richard Childress Racing
Busch certainly has found his mojo after a rough end to his tenure with Joe Gibbs Racing. This was not how the story was supposed to end between the two sides but everything happens for a reason in NASCAR.
Sometimes, partnerships just grow old, and a new breath of fresh air is needed. Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus won seven Cup Series championships as a duo but even they didn’t finish out their careers together.
This is why Busch’s start to the 2023 season is so incredibly important. It was important to prove that he just needed a new start and that is not good for the rest of the field. A confident Kyle Busch is a dangerous Kyle Busch.
In the meantime, whether you are watching it live or looking for how to watch NASCAR on TV or another streaming platform, Sportsnaut has you covered for the upcoming weekend at Dover Motor Speedway!