Kyle Busch‘s Offseason Success Offers Glimpse of 2025 Redemption
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After a disappointing 2024 NASCAR cup Series season, Kyle Busch is aiming for a comeback in 2025. His recent off-season victories hint at a potential resurgence for the two-time champion.
Busch’s 2024 campaign was marked by several setbacks. He broke several unwanted records, most notably ending his streak of winning at least one race every season. His 20th-place finish in the standings was his worst since his rookie year in 2005, adn he missed the playoffs for the first time since 2012. Despite this challenging year, Busch found success elsewhere.
The 39-year-old driver competed in the Outlaw Class at the Tulsa Shootout, showcasing his versatility and skill. He dominated, winning both the heat race and the winged class event. His performance highlighted his competitive spirit and ability to adapt to different racing environments.
“I’ll tell you what man these outlaw cars are so much fun becuase they have so much power in them. The Lucas Oil with that alignment motor is a great combination, it was really really ripping that high side. So loved it, all is good right now, feels good, want to tune in onto the car a little bit more and be ready for qualifiers when it comes.”
Busch’s No. 51 car proved exceptionally fast, allowing him to make impressive race-winning passes. His aggressive driving style, including hugging the wall at high speeds, showcased his determination and skill. Though, even the thrill of victory couldn’t fully mask the underlying tension.
“Just worried about f—ing ripping the top or not… I got goosebumps,” he added. “I don’t know man that thing felt so good. It’s harder to get in and out of the car than it is to race. That motor dude I’m telling you, it f—ing screams. Alright, I’m done for the day, peace out.”
Busch’s off-season success provides a much-needed boost after a tough NASCAR season. Reflecting on his 2024 performance earlier this past month, Busch candidly described the year as “character building.”
“just not at all what we had hoped it to be after some success last year, especially early in the year having those three wins and then struggling a little bit on and off. But then this year, just seemingly not being able to get the monkey off our back. Even having a shot to win late in the day; being close at Daytona, and maybe even closer at Kansas, and not being able to pull through.We probably had a handful of opportunities that slipped out from under us. So can’t say we never had an opportunity to but obviously didn’t get it done.”
As Busch prepares for the 2025 season, his off-season victories offer a beacon of hope, suggesting that the “Rowdy” Busch of old might be ready to reclaim his place at the top of the NASCAR world.
Kyle Busch’s Offseason Success Offers Glimpse of 2025 Redemption
After a disappointing 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, Kyle Busch is aiming for a comeback in 2025. His recent offseason victories hint at a potential resurgence for the two-time champion. Could success in other racing disciplines translate to a return to form on the NASCAR track? We sat down with veteran motorsports journalist Mark Jenkins to discuss Busch’s prospects for the upcoming season.
A Season to Forget
Senior Editor: Mark, Kyle Busch had a rough go of it in 2024. What were some of the key factors that contributed to his struggles?
Mark Jenkins: Absolutely. 2024 was definitely a year Busch would like to forget. He just couldn’t seem to find consistency. There were flashes of his brilliance,but too many mistakes and bad luck piled up. He had trouble adapting to the Next Gen car, and the chemistry with his new crew chief didn’t seem to click right away.
Finding Success Elsewhere
Senior Editor: Despite his NASCAR woes, Busch found success in other racing series. He dominated the Outlaw Class at the Tulsa Shootout. Do you see wins like that as a sign of his determination and potential to bounce back?
Mark Jenkins: Definitely. Busch is a fierce competitor, and winning breeds confidence.Those Outlaw car victories show he still has that killer instinct and the talent to win. Sometimes a change of pace and a different racing environment can definitely help a driver rediscover their mojo.
The Road to Redemption
senior Editor: Looking ahead to 2025, what does Kyle Busch need to do to get back on track in NASCAR?
Mark Jenkins: He needs to build a solid foundation with his team. Chemistry is crucial, and it takes time to develop that trust and understanding. He also needs to get comfortable with the Next Gen car, refine his setup, and adapt his driving style if necessary.Most importantly, he needs to stay positive and believe in himself. We certainly know he’s capable of winning races and competing for championships. if he can put all the pieces together, 2025 could be a year of redemption for Kyle Busch.
