Kyle Busch rips NASCAR Next Gen car amid Kansas struggles

While Kyle Busch was able to move up through the field in the first stage, he has stagnated outside of the top-10 now in Stage 2. Things were going well, and now his No. 8 RCR Chevy is struggling. Busch blames NASCAR and the Next Gen car.

Kyle Busch has been a vocal critic of the Next Gen car. He is never afraid to speak his mind on all things NASCAR whenever possible. In that way, he has taken on that elder statesman role in the Cup Series.

Busch was beside himself on the radio. Getting stuck at 12th place at the time in the field, Busch began to blame NASCAR.

“Unf***ing believable,” Busch said, via Tom Bowles of Frontstretch. “This car sucks so bad. Thank you, NASCAR.”

"Unf***ing believable. This car sucks so bad. Thank you, #NASCAR." –@KyleBusch

Stalled out this run in 12th after strong stage one

— Tom Bowles (@NASCARBowles) May 11, 2025

Quite a statement mid-race. Let’s see if RCR can get this No. 8 car moving further up into the top-10 and possibly for the lead. That is, if anyone is able to catch Kyle Larson.

Larson has been on another level today. While we have seen very close races at Kansas in the Next Gen car over the last few years, I do not believe that is in our future today. Everyone expected a close, intense race – well, with 20 to go in the second stage, it is a butt-whooping.

Those comments that Kyle Larson made on Saturday weren’t just him being tongue-in-cheek with fans and media who comment on the quality of races each week. He was warning folks. Right now, he has figured out the new tires that Goodyear and NASCAR introduced and is making a statement over the rest of the field.

You don’t appreciate Larson’s greatness when he dominates Bristol? Well, watch what he does to the most competitive track of the Next Gen era.

Kyle Busch trying to find the top-10

Today was going so well until Kyle Busch got on the cusp of the top-10. Something about his car won’t let him easily make his way up through this part of the field. Drivers say time and time again that it only gets more difficult to pass the closer to the front you get.

Busch has expressed frustration this season, as he should. There are many times when his Chevy just isn’t as fast as it needs to be. Then there are times when Busch oversteps the car. Part of that is on the team for not having a car that can handle the driver. Rowdy also has to know the limits of his car better.

Today could end up being a really good run for Kyle Busch. He still has a chance to find that adjustment, or the track will change in his favor. There is a lot that can happen in this race yet. Busch is frustrated now. Let’s see how he feels after the checkered flag flies.