Kyle Busch's slow start in 2024 more worrying than originally thought

After Kyle Busch’s first 5 NASCAR Cup Sequence races of the season solely introduced forth one top-10 consequence, some followers had been apprehensive, however not too involved in regards to the two-time champion’s gradual begin. Three races later and following consecutive poor performances on quick tracks, Busch’s gradual begin is not a worrying pattern, however a regarding actuality. 

Busch completed twentieth at Richmond on Easter Sunday and adopted that up with a disappointing Sixteenth-place run at Martinsville Speedway this weekend. With such a scarcity of velocity, one has to marvel if there may be something occurring behind the scenes at Richard Childress Racing. 

Sunday’s Sixteenth-place end marks the fourth race this season during which the No. 8 workforce has proven mid-pack velocity, with consecutive races earlier within the season at each Phoenix and Bristol additionally proving that Busch and the No. 8 workforce have fallen off from their strong efficiency in 2023. Busch received thrice within the first 15 races of 2023, however the closest he has come to victory in 2024 was in an exhilarating three-wide end at Atlanta. Apart from being the third wheel in NASCAR’s viral second, not a lot has gone proper for the Las Vegas native in 2024. 

Going to Texas subsequent week – and extra importantly Talladega the week after – Busch must string collectively strong finishes to reinvigorate his normally rowdy fanbase. Whether or not it is a win or a string of high fives, the No. 8 workforce wants a shot within the arm to get again to their normal place atop the Cup Sequence discipline. 

Perhaps it is simply Father Time lastly enjoying it is hand or perhaps it is simply gradual vehicles, nevertheless it’s clear that one thing wants to alter if Busch needs to be wherever close to the championship stage come November.