The news that Randall Burnett will be stepping away from his role at Richard Childress Racing (RCR) to become the crew chief for Connor Zilisch in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season has sent ripples through the racing community. Burnett, who has been the crew chief for Kyle Busch’s No. 8 team since 2023, is making a significant career move by leaving a well-established position to guide a rookie driver in his debut Cup season. But here’s where it gets controversial: Kevin Harvick, a respected voice in NASCAR, has openly questioned how this transition was handled and what it means for Busch’s performance moving forward.
Burnett’s journey with RCR began in 2017, during which time he worked closely not only with Kyle Busch but also with other notable drivers like Tyler Reddick and A.J. Allmendinger. Now, Trackhouse Racing is placing their trust in Burnett to lead Connor Zilisch’s entry into the Cup Series, a huge responsibility given the challenges rookies face when stepping up to NASCAR’s top level.
Kevin Harvick shared his candid thoughts on the situation during a recent episode of his podcast, Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour. He pointed out that the recent struggles of the No. 8 car likely reflect underlying issues related to Burnett’s impending departure. Harvick explained, “When you see a dip in performance like that, it usually means something’s going on behind the scenes.” He reflected on his own experience at RCR, emphasizing the importance of transparency and respect when making such career moves. “The best thing I ever did was walk into Richard Childress’ office and tell him I was leaving. It wasn’t easy, but it showed respect and allowed us to plan ahead.”
Harvick expressed concern that the timing of Burnett’s exit leaves RCR in a tough spot, scrambling to find a new crew chief and adjust the No. 8 program mid-season. “It doesn’t feel like this has been handled well,” he said, highlighting how late changes can disrupt team dynamics and performance.
This situation is part of a broader challenge for the No. 8 Chevrolet team. The incoming crew chief will have the daunting task of revitalizing Kyle Busch’s career as he approaches the end of his full-time Cup racing days. Harvick underscored the importance of Busch’s success, not just for the driver himself but for the sport as a whole. “We all want to see Kyle Busch win. He’s a huge figure in NASCAR. It’s tough to watch him struggle,” Harvick admitted. He also shared a personal note about their evolving relationship, saying, “I’ve had moments where I really disliked Kyle, but now we communicate well and have a good relationship.”
Yet, Harvick can’t shake the feeling that Busch’s current trajectory is disappointing. “I just can’t imagine Kyle Busch ending his career like this. It’s bad for him, bad for the sport, and bad for everything associated with his name.”
Meanwhile, Connor Zilisch is just beginning his journey, with hopes of reaching the heights that Busch achieved over his illustrious career. Burnett’s move to support Zilisch signals a passing of the torch, but it also raises questions about the future of the No. 8 team and Busch’s legacy. Harvick remains hopeful that Busch will return to Victory Lane, but only time will tell if fans will witness that triumphant moment again.
What do you think about Burnett’s decision and its timing? Could RCR have managed this transition better? And how do you see Kyle Busch’s career wrapping up? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below—because in NASCAR, every move sparks debate and every opinion counts.
— This article includes contributions from On3’s Nick Geddes.
