Countdown to Daytona 2026 - 21 Days

By Adam Carabine

Counting down the final 30 days to the 2026 Daytona 500, we are looking at last year's Top 30 drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. Today's driver: Kyle Busch

Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images

No. 8 Car – Richard Childress Racing

2025 Stats

Standings	21st
Wins	0
Points	737
Stage Points	49
Stage Wins	0
Laps Led	88
Lead Lap Finishes	25
Average Finish	17.9
DNFs	2
Races since last win	93

What Does Success Look Like in 2026?

It’s been a rough go for Kyle Busch at Richard Childress Racing.  Things started out well with a 3-win season right off the bat, but he’s now winless in two straight seasons.  Whether he’s just getting longer in the tooth, his equipment isn’t where it needs to be, or a mixture of all of these variables, I think the only way Kyle Busch looks at 2026 as a successful year is if he scores a win.

Best-Case Scenario in 2026?

If it was just down to racing ability, Kyle Busch probably could win any race on the schedule, but something hasn’t quite clicked lately.  I won’t say that the best-case scenario is that he wins every race, but I do feel that if he is able to snap his winless streak, it might take some pressure off and he could win a few more.  Best-case, I think he wins one early in the season, and that propels him to a few more wins too.

Most Likely Outcome in 2026?

Honestly, it’s hard to predict what Kyle Busch’s season is going to look like.  I think it’s either another winless season, or he pops off with 2 or 3.  I feel like a single win is the least likely outcome. 

Bold Prediction?

Kyle Busch retires at the end of this year.