Kyle Busch to Retire from NASCAR Cup Series After 2025, Shift Focus to Full-Time Xfinity Series Ride in 2026
Veteran NASCAR driver Kyle Busch has announced he will retire from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition following the conclusion of the 2025 season. The news came early Friday morning from Richard Childress Racing (RCR), where Busch has competed since 2023.
Instead of stepping away from racing entirely, Busch will transition to a full-time role in the NASCAR Xfinity Series beginning in 2026. The two-time Cup Series champion said the move will allow him to stay competitive on the track while spending more time with his family—especially his son Brexton, who is quickly rising through the youth racing ranks.
“This decision wasn’t made overnight,” Busch said in a statement. “I’ve accomplished a lot in the Cup Series, and now I’m looking forward to a new chapter where I can race competitively, enjoy the sport I love, and support my family more directly.”
Busch has long hinted at wanting to scale back his Cup schedule, and his increasing involvement in grassroots racing—along with a recent stint as a TV analyst—fueled speculation about his future. Fellow driver Denny Hamlin has even encouraged Busch to explore a career in broadcasting.
Despite some recent inconsistencies at RCR, Busch has remained a fierce competitor, adding wins and strong finishes to his storied career. His departure from full-time Cup racing marks the end of an era for one of NASCAR’s most polarizing and accomplished drivers, with more than 230 national series victories to his name.
Richard Childress, team owner of RCR, expressed full support for Busch’s decision: “Kyle has given us everything we hoped for and more. We respect his choice and are excited to see what he’ll do in the Xfinity Series.”
As he gears up for his final full Cup Series season, fans will get one more year to watch one of the sport’s greats compete at the highest level before he takes on a new role in NASCAR’s next tier.
