Let’s be honest here, the 2024 season for the Richard Childress Racing team was not acceptable at all. The team has won the NASCAR Cup Series six times but struggled this season. Kyle Busch went winless for the first time in 19 years.
To ensure that going into 2025, there is some improvement, the team has now made a series of changes. It’s even more remarkable that a significant portion of the recruits are from Stewart-Haas Racing. It shows the intent they have to win at all costs. Here’s what Busch has to say about the RCR’s newest additions and the hopes it instills.
Will RCR witness the face of success holding the hand of recruits?
Notably, the 2025 Cup Series season is almost knocking at the door. It’s time for the Richard Childress team to salvage their position one more time. Adding to the dismay of Kyle Busch not accounting for even one win, was Austin Dillon. His contentious victory at the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway sparked controversy. An aggressive final lap did not only damage the team’s reputation. It also ensured NASCAR revoked his playoff eligibility. This decision dealt a severe financial blow to RCR. The result cost them millions and marked their second straight season without a postseason appearance.
If the Richard Childress team does manage to get back on the tracks for the 2025 season and claim the Championship Cup, it will be a redemption at its best. RCR will reclaim its lost glory. Along with that, the prize money accounts for $1 million in the All-Star Race.
Speaking of the amends that the team has been making, Kyle Busch said, “I mean this offseason was a lot of turnaround at RCR. We’re hoping for a lot of greater success this year. With SHR closing its doors, there was a lot of great talented people out there. So we recruited some of those to come over and work with us at RCR. So hopeful that many of their expertise and the things they were able to do with this car, the Next Gen car that made them successful in SHR can work in favour for us too”.
LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 19: Kyle Busch 8 Richard Childress Racing FICO Chevrolet answers questions from members of the media during a media bullpen before practice and qualifying for the South Point 400 NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series playoff race on October 19, 2024, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, NV. Photo by Marc Sanchez/LVMS/Icon Sportswire AUTO: OCT 19 NASCAR Cup Series South Point 400 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon144241019026
There have been additions to the RCR team from the very core. Richard Boswell, who took over as crew chief for Chase Briscoe and the No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing team midway through the 2023 season, is set to join Richard Childress Racing (RCR) in 2025. He will take on the crew chief role for Austin Dillon and the No. 3 team. Boswell expressed his excitement about the opportunity, emphasizing his deep respect for Richard Childress, Austin Dillon, and the dedicated team at Richard Childress Racing.
He sees this role as a chance to contribute to the success of the iconic No. 3 Chevrolet. With his father having raced alongside Dale Earnhardt, the No. 3 car was a household favorite throughout his childhood. For Boswell, joining RCR feels like a full-circle moment, bringing his lifelong connection to the team to a new professional level.
Additionally, RCR has strengthened its technical team by appointing John Klausmeier as the new technical director. Klausmeier is a seasoned crew chief. He has also guided three different drivers to victory in the NASCAR Cup Series. This was primarily during his tenure with Stewart-Haas Racing from 2016 to 2023. Speaking of the same, Klausmeier said, “I’m thrilled to join Richard Childress Racing as technical director. With such a rich history in the sport, I’m excited to contribute to their groundwork for success”.
Kyle Busch is all set to get a new sponsor for the 2025 season
While the 2024 season wasn’t the best for Kyle Busch or his team, there is finally some ray of hope. For the 2025 season, Busch and the team are on the verge of welcoming its new sponsor for the season. This time it is Bank OZK, who has decided to lead the sponsorship battle. Bank OZK remains a well-known leader in financial services and became the primary sponsor for Busch. The addition of the new sponsor has sparked excitement. It has already attracted quite a bit of traction across NASCAR.
RCR President Torrey Galida shared his feelings about the journey ahead. He said, “Much like everyone here at Richard Childress Racing, Bank OZK has a drive to be the best, to champion teamwork, and to relentlessly pursue excellence. We look forward to welcoming them as a business partner and representing their brand on and off the track this season”.
Even, George Gleason, current chairman, and CEO of Bank OZK, shared his excitement. He said, “We are excited to partner with Richard Childress Racing on their business and on the racetrack. We look forward to cheering on Kyle Busch and team this season”.
The partnership between Kyle Busch and Bank OZK for the 2025 season brings new hopes. It is poised to bring a fresh wave of energy to Richard Childress Racing. With both sides sharing a commitment to excellence, this new sponsorship could mark the beginning of a successful chapter for Busch and the entire RCR team.
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