Kyle Busch to Retire from NASCAR Cup Series After 2025, Will Race Full-Time in Xfinity for 2026
In a move that is sending shockwaves through the NASCAR world, Richard Childress Racing confirmed this morning that Kyle Busch, one of the sport’s most accomplished and polarizing figures, will retire from NASCAR Cup Series competition at the conclusion of the 2025 season. But fans won’t have to say goodbye just yet — Busch will continue racing full-time in the Xfinity Series in 2026.
The announcement marks the end of an era. Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion and the winningest driver in NASCAR national series history, has spent the past two decades building a legacy of dominance, intensity, and flair. From his earliest days with Hendrick Motorsports to his championship reigns with Joe Gibbs Racing and more recently his stint with Richard Childress Racing, Busch has been a force on the track — racking up over 60 Cup Series wins and countless moments of brilliance.
“I’ve done a lot in this sport. I’ve raced against the best, and I’ve won,” Busch said in a statement. “But the time feels right to start shifting gears. The Cup Series has been my life, but I’m ready for a different pace — and I’m excited about what’s next.”
That next chapter brings Busch back to the Xfinity Series, where he already holds the all-time record for wins. His return to full-time competition in that division in 2026 is sure to make waves and boost the profile of the series. Busch has often said that racing is his therapy — his way of staying sharp and connected — and his move to Xfinity is as much about love for the sport as it is about legacy.
Team owner Richard Childress praised Busch’s decision, calling it a “smart transition” that will allow the veteran to continue competing while mentoring younger talent and strengthening RCR’s overall program.
“Kyle’s not stepping away from racing — he’s evolving,” Childress said. “He’s still hungry. He still wants to win. And he’ll bring that same edge to the Xfinity Series. It’s a win for all of us.”
For Busch, who has also nurtured the racing career of his son Brexton in recent years, the move may also offer a better balance of competition and family life — something he has increasingly prioritized.
While many fans will miss seeing the No. 8 on Sundays after 2025, the thought of Busch tearing it up in Saturday races adds a fresh twist to his storied career. Whether he’s contending for wins or building the next generation of NASCAR stars, one thing is certain: Kyle Busch isn’t done rewriting history just yet.
