Kyle Busch reveals pressure level of needing a win to clinch playoff spot

Kyle Busch knows the clock is running out on his playoff hopes. Just two regular season races remain — Saturday night at Richmond Raceway and next Saturday at Daytona International Speedway.

Sounds like a lot of pressure, right? For some, perhaps, but not Busch — the NASCAR Cup Series’ most experienced driver.

Kyle Busch needs to win either Richmond or Daytona to make the playoffs. Is he feeling the pressure? @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/Xu3pq9P3Sn

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) August 16, 2025

“I don’t think so, no. We just know time is running out, but I don’t think the pressure is any greater,” Busch told Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports. “It’s just a matter of being able to get it done, and right now is the best time so you can try to go prepare for a championship.”

Busch found himself in the same situation this time last year, needing a win to clinch his spot in the postseason. Unfortunately for Busch, it’s been a long time since he’s been to Victory Lane. For that, you’d have to go back to June 4, 2023, at Gateway. But if he’s going to avoid back-to-back years with no playoffs, winning is exactly what he’ll need to do.

“I’m not stressed out over it,” Busch said. “I think we go to each and every single weekend with the mindset of trying to go out there and win. We haven’t put ourselves in that position to score a victory, so we need to, but I wouldn’t say this weekend puts any added pressure on.”

Kyle Busch had a fast racecar in practice

Busch is certainly more than capable of winning at Richmond. He’s won six times at the 0.75-mile oval, his last victory coming in 2018. Richard Childress Racing was fast last year, as teammate Austin Dillon took the checkered flag.

Busch has already shown to have a strong car this weekend. He turned the fastest lap in Friday’s practice, and also had the best 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25- and 30-lap averages. Despite his speed in practice, Busch qualified 28th for Saturday’s race.