“It may get worse before it gets better”: Famous NASCAR YouTuber opines on Kyle Busch's chances of winning a race amid new teams in the mix

Kyle Busch and Richard Childress Racing struggled throughout the better half of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series. With the addition of new charter entries from the upcoming Cup teams, NASCAR YouTuber Eric Estepp believes it won't be a joyride for the famed Richard Childress-owned Cup team in the 2025 season.

Two-time Cup Series champion Busch statistically had the worst NASCAR season in his two-decade-long career. The 39-year-old for the first time in his full-time stint in the Cup car failed to secure a win throughout the season. With the NASCAR community expecting Busch to bounce back in the coming season, a question rose on the possibility of the Las Vegas, Nevada native driving through the victory lane the following season.

In response to this hard-hitting question for the 63-time Cup race-winner Busch, the NASCAR influencer Estepp claimed "he will", however, it came with a disclaimer.

"I think he[Kyle Busch] will. He came close a couple of times in 2024 and I don't think Richard Childress Racing will be worse in 2025. Well, you know, I say that but with teams like Spire and Front Row on the up and up. 23XI, RFK, Trackhouse adding third full-time cars.. yeah, it may get worse before it gets better for RCR." [0:49]

Notably, following the end of the 2024 NASCAR season, teams like Front Row Motorsports, RFK Racing, and Trackhouse Racing have announced their new third-car teams for the 2025 Cup roster. Moreover, 23XI Racing has also signed a third driver for the next season.

The YouTuber continued and said:

"I guess we'll have to wait and see. I'm used to seeing RCR contend for a playoff spot. If they give Kyle Bush playoff-contending equipment, chances are he will win a race next season. But I guess that equipment is not guaranteed. I'll say he will but I'm not confident."

Not only did Estepp hesitate in giving assurance for the chances of the NASCAR star Busch winning a race next season, but a famed veteran broadcaster also shared a similar thought on seeing him driving through the victory lane in 2025.

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SiriusXM hosts once discussed the "hot take" by Doug Rice on Kyle Busch

Last month, hosts Daniell Trotta and Larry McReynolds discussed the claims of veteran broadcaster Doug Rice on Busch not winning a NASCAR Cup Series race in the 2025 season.

As per a voice note shared by journalist Kyle Dalton on X from SiriusXM's On Track show, Trotta recalled her conversation with Rice.

"I was asked to be a guest on PRN “Fast Talk” with Doug Rice and Brad Gillie the other day," Trotta shared. "And we were — Doug was throwing out a prediction. Doug Rice threw out there he doesn't think Kyle Busch will ever win again."

Trotta added:

"I was like, ‘Wow, I am not ready to say that.’ He had three runner-up finishes just this past year. Like, so I don't but a lot of people wonder, Larry. I mean, now that's a hot take, but a lot of people are wondering, can Kyle Busch ever become the Kyle Busch of old again? I certainly hope so."

After joining RCR from his storied career with Joe Gibbs Racing, Kyle Busch managed three wins in the first 15 races of the 2023 season. However, couldn't convert a win this passing season.

Nevertheless, he showed his prowess by securing three top-3 finishes and six top-10s in 2024.