NASCAR veteran Kyle Busch recently shared his thoughts with The Athletic, addressing the criticism he’s faced from fans labeling him as “washed-up” due to an ongoing winless streak.
As he navigates a challenging 2024 season, Busch took a moment to defend his lengthy career, highlighting the tough nature of remaining competitive at such a high level in NASCAR. He pushed back against calls for his retirement, emphasizing the hard work involved in the sport.
“I know how hard it is to be a driver in this sport and compete at a high level,” he stated. “So when fans say I’m washed up and should retire, I just think, ‘Wow, OK, cool.’”
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The scrutiny around Busch’s performance comes as he and his team at Richard Childress Racing (RCR) struggle to maintain the standard typically expected of a driver of his caliber. After a successful 14-year stretch with Joe Gibbs Racing, he joined RCR in 2023, enjoying a solid start with three victories early in the season, including a historic win at Auto Club Speedway that extended his record of consecutive seasons with at least one win to 19.
However, since that milestone, consistency has been elusive. Critics are now questioning whether his best days are behind him. “Maybe they’re right? But look at the other drivers who haven’t won… some of those who have won did so by chance, not because they dominated,” he remarked.
Despite the backlash, Busch recognizes that fan feedback can often reflect valid concerns. “I probably agree with fans on some points, even if they get a bit overzealous,” he shared, acknowledging issues related to on-track performances and commercial breaks.
As a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, Busch’s legacy is substantial, boasting wins across all major NASCAR series. He made history as the youngest driver to win a Cup Series race at just over 20 years old and holds the all-time record for victories in NASCAR’s touring series.
Let’s not forget 2015 when he came back from early-season injuries to clinch the championship, showcasing his resilience in the sport.