Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch can’t seem to catch a break in 2024. His latest setback came during his much-anticipated debut at the USAC National Midget Series at Bakersfield Speedway, California, on November 27. Despite a strong performance that had fans on the edge of their seats, bad luck once again caught up with him, leaving Busch with a disappointing Did Not Finish (DNF).
Driving the Lucas Oil and FloRacing #51 car, Busch showed why he’s considered one of the best in the sport. He dominated Heat Race #2 and seemed poised for a victory. But as the final laps approached, disaster struck: his car lost power while he was leading, forcing him off the track and triggering a caution flag. NASCAR veteran Kenny Wallace summed it up succinctly in a social media post: “Kyle Busch had his heat race WON. Until something broke.”
Fans, meanwhile, were quick to react, many pointing out the eerie consistency of Busch’s 2024 struggles. “No wins in 2024… it’s been a brutal year,” one wrote, while another added, “He was checked out, Herm! The bad luck Kyle Busch’s had in 2024 just continues to plague him.”
This latest misfortune is just another chapter in what has been the most challenging season of Busch’s career. Competing in his second year with Richard Childress Racing, the #8 Chevy Camaro ZL1 driver failed to win a single race—a shocking turn for a driver who had secured at least one victory every season since his debut in 2005. His streak of playoff appearances, which dated back to 2013, also came to an abrupt end.
Busch’s closest chances at victory this year only added to the frustration. Runner-up finishes at Darlington Raceway and Daytona International Speedway proved he still has the speed, but luck was never on his side. Even in his final bid at the Championship Four in Phoenix, a crash on Lap 73 sealed his fate, relegating him to a P21 finish and ending the season with zero wins.
While 2024 has been a year to forget for Busch, his fans remain hopeful for a comeback in 2025. For now, his midget racing misfortune serves as a bitter reminder of a season filled with “what ifs” and heartbreak.
“Kyle Busch’s Struggles Continue: Another Setback in Midget Racing Showdown”
