Denny Hamlin throws support behind Kyle Busch | Sports News

Denny Hamlin conceded that Kyle Busch “needed a change” after the NASCAR Cup Series driver parted methods together with his crew chief.

Last week, Randall Burnett introduced his departure from Richard Childress Racing following months of hypothesis that he might sever ties with the group. He is now slated to hitch Trackhouse Racing and call the photographs for Connor Zilisch, who will make his full-time Cup Series debut in 2026.

According to Hamlin, the choice was best for each Busch and Burnett. “I think he needed a change. I think all parties kind of need a change, and certainly Kyle’s going through it right now,” the 44-year-old stated. “Certainly, the performance is not there,” Hamlin stated. “I am a believer that Kyle Busch still has the ability to go win races.

“I do think that his cars are off, but I don’t think they’re off to the extent that we’re seeing on Sundays. Like, I don’t know that Randall Bernett is making the car spin out every week or hit the wall every week … but certainly it’s not good. So I think everyone just wanted a change of scenery and they’re all going to get it.”

Back in 2023, Busch and Burnett appeared to be a match made in heaven as they amassed three wins and 17 top-10 finishes of their first marketing campaign collectively. Yet the pair have failed to realize comparable success during the last two years, with the No. 8 Chevrolet driver actively discovering himself mired within the longest winless streak in his Cup profession (88 races). Through 31 races this season, he’s recorded simply eight top-10s and two top-5s.

“We’ve had the opportunity to win a lot more, and we just had some things slip through our fingers, and it’s unfortunate, and feel like this team has earned and deserves more wins than we got. We just haven’t finished the deal off,” Burnett instructed NASCAR.com.

“Really grateful for my time with Kyle. I think I’m a better crew chief for being with him and learning his process and learning through the things that he goes through, obviously, first ballot Hall of Famer in this deal, and so, you know, to be able to work with him the past couple years has been great, and I’ll be grateful for that opportunity.”

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Looking forward, Burnett expressed his pleasure to hitch forces with Zilisch at Trackhouse. The 19-year-old lately emerged victorious within the 2025 Xfinity Series Regular Season Championship upon profitable the Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog at World Wide Technology Raceway earlier this month.

“I’m excited about my opportunity over there, and you know, obviously, something’s got to change on this 8 car,” Burnett conceded. “We haven’t been performing the way we needed to. I think everybody needs a fresh start. I got a really good opportunity with where I’m going. Obviously, Connor’s a great young talent…So, you know, just kind of all worked out.”