For years, Kyle Busch was the driver everyone feared. With over 60 Cup Series wins, two championships, and a reputation for being one of the most aggressive competitors in NASCAR history, Busch built a legacy as one of the sport’s greatest. Bubba Wallace, on the other hand, has spent most of his career fighting for respect, often struggling to break into the top tier of the sport.
Yet, somehow, in 2025, we’re in a world where Bubba Wallace is outrunning Kyle Busch.
What Happened to Kyle Busch?
Busch’s move to Richard Childress Racing (RCR) was supposed to be a fresh start after leaving Joe Gibbs Racing. And, at first, it was—winning three races in 2023 proved he still had it. But the momentum didn’t carry over, and by 2025, Busch seems like a shadow of his former self. Whether it’s a struggle to adapt to the Next Gen car, a lack of chemistry with RCR, or just plain bad luck, Busch has been stuck in a slump.
Meanwhile, Bubba Wallace has been quietly improving. With 23XI Racing continuing to grow under the leadership of Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, Wallace has found himself in more competitive equipment and, more importantly, delivering results. While he’s not suddenly a title favorite, he’s consistently running in the top 10—something Busch hasn’t been able to do regularly this season.
How Did We Get Here?
Several factors play into this shift:
1. 23XI Racing’s Growth – Backed by Toyota’s powerhouse support and top-tier engineering, 23XI has become a legitimate contender. Wallace has benefitted from that, running more consistently up front.
2. RCR’s Struggles – Despite Busch’s early success with the team, Richard Childress Racing hasn’t been able to keep up with powerhouse teams like Hendrick, JGR, or even 23XI. Busch’s frustration has been evident, and it’s clear RCR has work to do.
3. Wallace’s Development – Love him or hate him, Wallace has improved. He’s cut down on mistakes and shown more consistency—something that used to be his biggest weakness.
4. Busch’s Bad Luck – Let’s be real, Busch has had a rough go of it lately. Between mechanical failures, bad pit strategy, and just being in the wrong place at the wrong time, his 2025 season has been a mess.
What’s Next?
Will this trend continue? It’s hard to say. Busch has the talent to bounce back, but he’s not getting any younger. Meanwhile, Wallace is in his prime and has the full support of a growing organization behind him.
For longtime fans, seeing Wallace consistently outrun Busch is a bizarre twist in the NASCAR timeline. But in today’s NASCAR, nothing is guaranteed.
