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Kyle Busch says job security this season has helped him on the track

JHby:Jonathan Howard07/16/23

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Kyle Busch Atlanta
(Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

It really is amazing what a little peace of mind can do for you. Just ask Kyle Busch what having a future ride secured this season versus last season is like. The Richard Childress Racing driver has made the most of his new NASCAR opportunity. While he went from the 18 to the 8, Busch has kept up his winning ways. In fact, he’s outperforming his 2022 season with relative ease.

Kyle Busch, the two-time champion, did not have a great season last year. His final run with Joe Gibbs Racing was full of mystery and doubt, and maybe Busch got pulled in too many directions for his own good.

Now in his new seat, with a future he can count on being there, Busch has a new approach. He seems to be happier, not as gloomy and has driven his car to three wins and a shot at a regular season championship.

“Yeah I mean, I would say having job security is always a great thing, right?” Busch said, via Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports. “So anytime you’re not sure what’s going on, you’re always thinking about that as well as thinking about working on how to make yourself be better, and your car go faster, and everything like that. So, only having one of those things to think about or work on gives you double the amount of time to be able to focus on that. It’s nice to just um, be a little bit more chill, right?”

All things considered, this has been a stellar season so far. Heading into this race, Kyle Busch has been on a great hot streak. Third in the standings, he can make some big moves if he gets a win.

Kyle Busch hits the wall during Crayon 301 qualifying

The good news is that Kyle Busch was one of the best 10 cars in qualifying for the postponed Crayon 301. Bad news, he hit the wall and will be sent to the rear after his team made repairs. Things were a little shaky for Busch in New Hampshire on Saturday, but he made the most of it.

Not only has New Hampshire Motor Speedway not put down resin on the track for two years, but a new tire is also giving drivers issues. Two months ago, Goodyear had a tire test. After that test, they decided to move to the new tire and give it a debut at New Hampshire. By most accounts, it is slick and causing more control issues for drivers, which is good!

Short-track racing has been lacking with the Next Gen car. Busch found out just how slick this track and tire are in practice and qualifying. Busch tapped the wall in the practice session. Then, after making the final qualifying round, he spun and put his rear end into the wall. Tough break, but he has a fast Chevy Camaro to work with.

After repairs, Kyle Busch will try his best to make the most of Monday. The rain-postponed Crayon 301 could be his next step toward a championship.