“Toughest year of my career”: Kyle Busch makes his ‘heartbreak’ feelings known about RCR 

Kyle Busch has opened up about his career's toughest year in the NASCAR Cup Series. The two-time Cup Series champion fielded the #8 Chevy for Richard Childress Racing and broke two records this season. However, the records Busch disrupted weren't meant to be.

Busch entered the pinnacle of stock car racing in 2003 as a part-time driver for Hendrick Motorsports. The Nevada native withdrew from his debut race in Homestead-Miami and registered his maiden Cup run next year in his hometown's Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

He turned to a full-time schedule in 2005 and etched at least one victory every season without fail. It's worth mentioning that the 39-year-old advanced to the playoffs every year except the 2012 season. After moving to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2008 and lending his expertise for 15 years, Busch joined Richard Childress Racing's garage in 2023.

Though he salvaged three wins in his debut year with RCR, Kyle Busch failed to replicate a similar performance this year. He could not park his Chevy in the victory lane through the 36-race slate and failed to enter the playoffs. Notably, the #8 driver inched close to his maiden win this season but suffered setbacks one after another, finishing 2nd at Daytona International Speedway and the following regular-season finale at Darlington Raceway.

He got his final shot to secure a triumph at the Phoenix Raceway, but he couldn't. Not only did he start from the rear in P25 but probable issues with toe link following a contact with Harrison Burton on Lap 73 further slimmed his bid to ace the race. With that, the RCR driver registered his first winless season since turning a full-time driver, and without playoff entry since 2012.

Heartbroken by the unwanted fate, Busch penned a message on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his gratitude, and ensuring a stronger return next season.

"Arguably the toughest year of my career. Full of trials, n heartbreaks. I know my RCR guys r gonna get after it this winter n we’ll come back stronger nxt season. Grateful for all of our partners, helping us do what we love. Thx Rowdy Nation for sticking w me. Y’all r the best💯," Busch Tweeted.

The winningest active NASCAR driver wrapped his 2024 Cup Series season in P20, his worst since entering a full-time schedule.

"I didn't see it as a stern point being made": Kyle Busch opens up on NASCAR's ask for help after Martinsville controversy

Before beginning the penultimate race, Kyle Busch revealed the drivers were requested not to indulge in race manipulation. It stemmed from the recent controversy at Martinsville, prompting management to take stern steps moving forward.

Chevrolet's Ross Chastain and Austin Dillon and Toyota's Bubba Wallace were each slapped with a $100,000 fine and stripped 50 driver points. While the Chevy teammates came under the radar for helping William Byron punch his Championship 4 ticket, the Toyota driver got scrutinized for aiding Christopher Bell's Phoenix entry. The respective team owners were also levied a $100,000 penalty each and docked 50 owner points.

NASCAR didn't want to taint the season finale with illegal acts like race manipulation. And since there's no provision thus far to penalize the manufacturer, the officials communicated their message to the drivers to refrain from manipulating.

However, the tone was seemingly not in line with the situation at hand. Kyle Busch didn't hold back and took a cheeky jibe at NASCAR's call for help. He said (via Bob Pockrass).

"I remember the days when you had Milke Helton who would stand up in a drivers' meeting and be stern about it. So Mike wasn't there, so I didn't see it as a stern point being made, but it was one that was talked about, so I mean, they are not yelling and screaming, and I don't think so they are going to, so it's probably a lot harsher than I took it," stated Kyle Busch. (00:30)

It will be interesting to see how Kyle Busch's #8 team will perform next season considering a historically poor 2024 season.