Dale Earnhardt Jr. Recasts Hamlin–Busch Rift, Shifts Focus to RCR Struggles and Spire Talk
He says Busch likely reacted without the full context of Hamlin’s podcast remarks.
Overview
- Kyle Busch’s sharp response at Kansas to Denny Hamlin’s podcast critique is, in Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s view, a misunderstanding driven by clips rather than the full 13-minute segment.
- Denny Hamlin questioned whether Busch is still a title-caliber driver and said he must regularly beat RCR teammate Austin Dillon to warrant a top ride after his current deal, while also calling Busch one of the all-time greats.
- Earnhardt Jr. shifted attention to Richard Childress Racing’s performance, noting a fast start with new crew chief Jim Pohlman in Daytona qualifying followed by persistent issues with Busch’s No. 8 car.
- Season results underscore the slump, with Busch logging three top-20 finishes in the first nine races as Dillon posted five in the same span in identical equipment.
- Looking ahead, Earnhardt Jr. predicted Busch could move to Spire Motorsports as soon as next year and said Spire has shown enough speed and budget potential to meet his demands, framing it as a path back to winning form.