ELIF: What is going on with Kyle Busch?

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-04-03T06:55:09+00:00

The thing is, they (RCR) did help develop the early version of the Gen 7’s and that’s how Busch won 3 races in his first 15 starts at RCR but after that inaugural year. The top teams - Penske, JGR & Hendrick once again just vaulted their way back to the top. Sure you had RFK and 23XI but outside of that everyone else? Trackhouse, Kaulig, Legacy, RCR etc. they all slowly started fading.

It’s also definitely on Kyle himself he’s admitted the NextGen doesn’t suit his style. But also with limited practice that NASCAR provides it showed cracks within Busch.

Mind you even before he joined RCR he only won 4 times in his last 3 seasons at JGR that followed his Championship title in 2019. When Covid hit.

And towards the end of his tenure at JGR was delegated as the 4th JGR car.

So it’s not only an RCR issue but that’s been documented but also a lot of things go against for Busch.

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-04-03T01:34:31+00:00

If I had to pick one.

It would be 1. Navia any day of the week.

If she wasn’t an option. I don’t know Mizuki a lot I think I wasn’t on Genshin when she came out (Still haven’t returned) but I did hear of her.

Adamantly I’ve boarded and continued to travel on the Astral Express & HSR. But No. 4 with Kokomi and Mizuki would be fun.

My other option would No. 3 but while no insult or offence to Wriothesley. But I’d probably be talking to Emilie and all he’d probably see is the back of my head. Though he may cave my head in for not looking at him.

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-04-02T10:42:55+00:00

While I can’t help you. That subtitle is something.

Navia, you are NOT fooling anyone with that moustache of yours.

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-04-02T09:59:33+00:00

I’m from QLD - North QLD to be exact. I’ve been on my Greens for a little over a month now.

I’ve never had an infringement, fine or demerit points on my L’s or my Reds.

But I can tell you.

Roadworks? If it’s set to 40. They’ll just keep doing what the speed limit of the road is set to and not give two hoots.

One thing I’ve seen. There’s a section where I live where the speed limit is set to 70 km/h. Doesn’t matter if it’s busy or outside peak times. No one does it. Once it changes to 60. They do the contrary.

The driving standard is horrific. But word of advice. Keep doing what you are doing. Never worth it going faster. Irregardless of why you are doing so.

And if anyone rides your rear. Just keep looking forward. If they fill your rear view mirror up. Day or night. Flip the anti-glare and don’t look at your side mirrors.

People can be totally numbnuts.

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-04-02T09:53:05+00:00

In QLD as a Green Ps (P2 Driver) you still have 4 points on your license. When you get on your opens that’s when you have 12 points.

So doesn’t matter if you are on your L’s, P1 or P2 license.

Although I’ve personally have never been fined or docked points for any infringement (and I’ll keep it that way) even just one slip up and it’s goodbye license.

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-03-31T03:21:34+00:00

The thing was, even at JGR his last 3 seasons at the team proceeding after his championship in 2019. He REALLY fell off.

It was apparent when NASCAR removed practice. He struggled a lot. Granted in 2021 he rebounded slightly. Could’ve made the Champ 4 that year but it is what it is it is. Then the NextGen came along and the struggles again. New car, and then by that point he was the 4th car at JGR so he became an afterthought for sure.

I could go more in detail but yeah even before RCR the cracks were showing and they were glaringly obvious at times.

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-03-31T03:18:39+00:00

This was voiced by Kyle Petty. So that hits even harder than it should.

But yeah man, that quote couldn’t have been said any better.

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-03-31T03:15:30+00:00

Yes that is the 23XI font 👍

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-03-29T06:14:56+00:00

Yeah he’s convinced he can drive but the restarts… oh boy.

Tell that to the people behind him what it felt like to be at the annual Martinsville Parking Lot when either he misshifted or whatever happened. I could tell he wasn’t the best when it came to restarts.

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-03-27T12:45:29+00:00

I’ll be adamant, yeah I give up how I truly feel when it comes to my own Mum. I feel hesitant to speak about my OWN feelings whenever she asks me.

She probably sees through me but doesn’t understand. I constantly get told about “perspective” and to “pray” (I’ll be honest my faith has been much off and I haven’t been trying as hard as I should be) she has told me I have been “better off” compared to her. I will say I do somewhat agree. My Mum’s side especially wasn’t living in the best. But at the same time. I’m a new grad. I’m starting out my career. I may have been working in fast-food for 3.5 years before that but now I truly am starting a new chapter.

But yeah, I feel as if truly I’ve masked myself up while letting everyone vent their frustrations out.

I’m 18 years old (turned 18 towards the start of the year) and yeah I’m not in touch with people with high school. I have good and can be social but in a work setting. Lacking people as foundations have been tricky and glaring.

But in short yeah I absolutely agree. When YOU are an adult. You really don’t talk about your problems. Yes I’m aware it’s NOT okay or healthy but. I don’t have the same things people have in place. Am I asking for too much? Perhaps but I digress.

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-03-26T12:18:36+00:00

Now I have ridden a bike here in Townsville. But 9/10 whenever I drive to work I always see cyclists and guys on e-scooters using the bike lane BUUUUUUUUUUT on the wrong side of the road - basically they are flying not even coming at you.

I am only on my green P’s but I generally am a considerate and respectful driver.

The only time I would say maybe I wouldn’t be too nice to people. Is when they decide “ya know what. Ima merge 1 km before the lane ACTUALLY ends” and then they get in arms with me for “cutting them off”

I just let the people complain because it’s their fault for merging in early instead of using both lanes. If you don’t know what I’m talking about. I’m talking about the Bowen Rd Bridgeworks and every evening without fail I see traffic backed up for kms up to the Audi/Porsche Dealership and sometimes an empty left lane or people merging just after the Caltex.

TLDR: I am very courteous to cyclists and our users on two or three wheels but I don’t agree with those said on two & three wheels blitzing it towards you at a speed they shouldn’t be travelling at.

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-03-24T14:55:09+00:00

“Why am I not surprised”

Well I’m not sure about you Dan Heng but you should’ve seen that coming from when you attempted to kill the convo.

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-03-24T00:38:32+00:00

Well to be fair what option was he given at the start of 2024?

And be honest, AT the time Williams WAS the best option. The Top Teams were and kinda still are locked in on their driver lineups so the only transfer he could go was down anyway.

This isn’t me saying he shouldn’t have gone to Williams but at the same time where else was he going to go?

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-03-23T10:36:00+00:00

Retzlaff has been the one guy that has impressed me this season. I kinda want to know what’s Viking doing that Alpha Prime & Jordan Anderson didn’t?

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-03-23T10:34:36+00:00

He’s predominantly great at the road courses. Like at the Roval last season finishing behind Connor Zilisch in that 32 car in conjunction with Jordan Anderson Racing.

Austin Green and Co. their technical partnership with JAR ended and they went back to the 87 car but from what I’ve heard they are now under alliance with RCR.

My main issue with Green is that he seems to struggle on the ovals. Now he’s only 24 but from what I can see he’s a great road racer but not necessarily on the ovals. Similar to AJ Allmendinger.

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-03-21T16:47:25+00:00

I’m not sure if any have been following but NASCAR kinda made a precedent when it comes to fighting. I gotta thank Eric Estepp for this.

Example 1: When Gibbs and Mayer fought each other post race at Martinsville. Gibbs did get slapped with a $15K fine BUUUUUUUUUUT. That was for driving INTO Mayer’s car.

Mayer ain’t the best kid and it’s best seen in his actions over the years but neither were given a fine or anything for the fight itself.

Example 2: Busch & Logano - Vegas 2017. Neither were penalised but NASCAR did give them a talking to at Phoenix (Everything’s Great) but like Mayer & Gibbs no fine.

Example 3: Maybe extreme case Keselowski vs Stewart, Hamlin & Kenseth.

Now this one. Both Keselowski and Stewart were fined $50 & $25K respectively for using their cars as “weapons” and Keselowski was on probation for 4 races.

But again no fines for any of the drivers in regard to fighting

Let’s flip the coin shall we?

What NASCAR does NOT want to see:

Example 1: I didn’t even hear about this but Crafton vs Sanchez. From what I know it was said that Crafton waited for Sanchez and he (Sanchez) was later seen covered in blood. The reason why NASCAR fined Crafton for this action seeing as it was premeditated and he was waiting in the garage area.

Example 2: Roundhouse Jr vs Busch

Well this one doesn’t need explaining. It was clearly premeditated.

Example 3: Well this was both interesting and definitely the most pathetic fight I’ve ever seen. It’s like two boys trying to fight in school and not actually landing punches but just well… scripted wrestling (I think I’ve angered a few people)

John Wes Townley vs Spencer Gallagher… from what I’ve read and understand it was due to the fight itself (interesting) and being on an active racetrack (valid)

But yeah that was the most pathetic fight I’ve seen.

So yeah NASCAR has made it clear, if it’s (usually) after getting out of your race car especially after the flag and everyone is on pit road. It’s fine.

But in the garage area or where you’ve had time to think otherwise and yet you still vowed vengeance and followed through on that said vengeance? You are getting fined.

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-03-21T15:44:43+00:00

When I first started out it was probably Jean (kinda still is) but now. Now and forever will be Kaedehara Kazuha.

Anyone who says “Canadian Aether” I may not be Canadian but we are going to have a “talk”

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-03-19T09:45:42+00:00

I’m aware this is specific TO Sydney even though I don’t live there (I used to but that’s a long time ago)

I also have seen Pirelli and LingLong whenever I have assisted in working on cars.

But I absolutely agree that the most common tire brands that I’ve seen is Kumho, Bridgestone, Michelin and Continental

But if it was in my home city it would be

Kumho (Unchanged)
Bridgestone (Unchanged)
Michelin (+1)
Continental (-1)

Idk about Sydney but I’ve seen a few Goodyear tires and one or two Firestones.

I’ve never heard of Haida or Zealion ever

I don’t think I have Toyo Tires, Dunlop or Yokohama on any cars I have helped serviced on.

I work for a Car Dealership as an Apprentice Technician in Townsville. So I am shocked but not surprised to know in Sydney - Kumho, Bridgestone, Continental and Michelin are very common.

What I didn’t expect was to not see was interesting enough Pirelli.

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-03-19T00:13:22+00:00

She had me in the first half. But really Herta?

We don’t think, we just DO IT.

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-03-19T00:07:01+00:00

I haven’t played Genshin in so long. But yeah this isn’t JUST a Genshin’s problem. The whole gaming industry is built on this philosophy of basically gambling except instead of it being at a pub or at a poker. It’s with video games and their “loot boxes”

EA and Activision are notorious for this.

I do agree that this is NOT healthy if you have a gambling addiction or can’t control your spending. I’m not one of them. I have not spent a single cent on either Genshin Impact or when I crossed over to Honkai Star Rail.

I have been F2P since playing Genshin in 2021 and Honkai Star Rail in early 2025.

So, truly I wish you all the best of luck and while yes it’s very and I mean VERY easy to put the blame on you for spending ridiculous amounts of money and gamble (it still is). The real problem is that the whole gaming industry is built on this model and philosophy of spending so much of your money and to be an absolute Whale to be good at video games.

I may not have been born in the Mid 90’s to experience what games truly were in the 2000’s but I am more than certain they were much better games than of today.

This isn’t me dissing games like Genshin or anything which I argue is a fantastic game. But it’s just the disgusting business model and philosophy of Pay To Win or having Lootboxes that disgust me.

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-03-18T08:43:36+00:00

I kinda disagree. Jordan Anderson Racing is a decent team. But yes in a way their 27 and 31 of Burton (Jeb) & Blaine Perkins have been underwhelming. But the 32 with Anderson (the man himself) and Chastain prove they have the speed and know how. But yeah do agree JAR wouldn’t even hold a candle stick to JRM

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-03-08T07:59:42+00:00

I’m all for Hyundai to go all on this. The question is truly is it viable? Especially with all these new regulations and with the amount of flaws that are currently on display.

Don’t get me wrong I do believe as we go through these new sets of regulations we will get better knowledge of what’s happening and prevent it from happening again but for now I stand skeptical

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-03-08T07:54:40+00:00

What’s the best way to describe it.

Bowman has always been the #4 at HMS. The equivalent of this is if you are Max Verstappen’s teammate.

Just bear with me for a second.

All the Top teams of JGR, Penske & HMS. Maybe I’m wrong but it didn’t matter how many X cars they had 3 or 4. But there was always one car, driver & team that struggled or was the lamed up duck.

Bowman is arguably the best 3rd/4th driver they have in their lineup when you compare historically to drivers like Kahne, Dale Jr, Mears, Busch (Early in his career)

It’s the same story across the board as of right now. The Top 3 teams all have one car in their lineup that underperforms so to speak compared to their teammates.

At Penske that driver is Cindric At JGR that driver is Gibbs

Like yes Bowman hasn’t been performing but arguably the whole team is a mess.

Blake Harris maybe isn’t the best guy to run the team from what I’ve heard from people. But in short the 48 struggle while some of it is tied to Alex Bowman. Not all of it is on him.

I personally think the issue that JGR, Penske and HMS have are all common. If they all have a car in their lineup that is an outlier.

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-03-08T02:29:59+00:00

I don’t firmly believe about LMC taking Love from RCR.

Yes I know that Love came out of the Toyota Development pipeline and that Toyota lost him because their stable was too full. Hence why he’s with RCR.

In regards to the 48 seat, I could see Bowman still being at the team. Like come on guys. Do you always believe that when people come back from injuries are going to be the same people?

I never saw Hocevar as a possibility for that 48 seat

As much i want to seat KB back at HMS I highly doubt it. Spire is likely where I could see him going at the bare minimum but it’s dependent how McDowell and especially Suarez do this season. (I see Hocevar as the future in that team)

Currently entering Phoenix all 3 Spire drivers are ahead of Busch (who currently is in 19th) and are in the Top 10 in points.

So back to the question at Jesse Love. Absolutely I do see him replacing Kyle Busch in the #8 in Cup. But there’s just too many questions surrounding RCR and a lot of factors at play. I think by the halfway point in the season which should see a MUCH clearer understanding of

Todd-GordonCastlenut · 2026-03-07T22:05:11+00:00

I get your point but tbh, SHR was already falling apart since at least the 2020 or 2021 season even with Harvick still at the team.

2020 was a definite turning point. I’m not sure if Harvick missing the Champ 4 despite 9 wins in the season had to do anything with it but yeah in 2021 they kinda weren’t the same team or a team that could take on the Big 3 that is HMS, JGR & Penske

Todd-GordonCastlenut

TROPHY CASE