Kyle Busch has been a model of consistency in NASCAR throughout the years, ever since he joined the Cup Series in 2005.
The 39-year-old has scored two second places this year but sits 20th in the drivers’ championship – his worst result since his debut season.
He did at least pick up one stage win, but he failed to make the NASCAR playoffs for the first time since the format changed in 2014.
There’s an opportunity to round the season off in style at Phoenix, but he will have a lot of work to do from 25th on the grid.
Kyle Busch could go winless for the first time in 19 years
Busch has won in every full-time Cup Series season that he has competed in since 2005, which is a crazy statistic to comprehend.
It now looks like that run will come to an end in 2024, having endured the most difficult season of his career so far.
The American driver did carry some momentum into this year, with three victories claimed during his first season with Richard Childress Racing in 2023.
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That momentum has now been well and truly curved, and he will be looking for answers in the off-season, as he looks to bounce back next year.
A driver with his level of experience and 63 victories should be able to find an answer, but there’s going to be some pressure on him to prove that he still has the competitive edge needed to win.
Who will win the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series?
There is a fascinating fight between William Byron, Tyler Reddick, Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series set to unfold in Phoenix.
Byron is one of the favourites to claim his first triumph, despite his inexperience in the situation that he will face.
He is the form driver of the series currently and has managed top-six finishes in each of his last six races – lifting himself to the top of the power rankings.
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Logano is a two-time champion and will be hot on his heels, especially while starting the race from second place, six spots ahead of him.
Don’t count out Reddick or Blaney, despite both starting from 10th or lower, both know how to deliver stunning performances.