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Kyle Busch spotter Derek Kneeland blames Talladega facility for radio issues

JHby: Jonathan Howard9 hours agoJondean25
Kyle Busch
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Multiple teams are having issues with radio communications. Kyle Busch’s spotter believes that Talladega Superspeedway is to blame. Derek Kneeland has been a NASCAR spotter for years. He blames the spotter stand at Dega for the connectivity issues.

With 40 spotters up on the stand at Talladega, things are crowded. They are cramped. That’s one reason why Derek Kneeland blames the facility for the radio issues today.

Kyle Busch wanted to know what was happening. So, Kneeland told him what he thought was to blame. Ryan Blaney has also reported having major communications issues today.

“It’s not a you problem. It’s this s***ty spotter stand at the biggest track we go to is entirely too small for 38 guys,” Kneeland told Busch. The two were having issues connecting on the radio. “It’s lucky to fit 30. It’s just too small, and then you guys are down there by steel, I’m up here by steel, we all got 16 radios on, it’s like this every time. It doesn’t matter what channel or what we do. It comes and goes, comes and goes.”

Kyle Busch has been having a solid day today. He has led more laps than everyone besides Josh Berry, and that is only a one-lap difference. Busch won the Talladega race in the Spring of 2023. It was in dramatic fashion as Ryan Blaney and Bubba Wallace wrecked in front of the field on the last lap.

Right now, Busch is doing well. He’s led laps, kept his car clean, and, despite radio issues, has done a really solid job of getting himself up front this afternoon.

Kyle Busch overcomes early penalty at Talladega

Along with Chase Briscoe, Kyle Busch was hit with a speeding penalty on the first set of pit stops today. Ross Chastain also grabbed himself a penalty for speeding. NASCAR is keeping a close eye on everybody today.

We have seen these Talladega races end under green flag, end while wrecking, and end under caution. There could be multiple overtimes. Whatever happens, these drivers have to survive whatever is thrown their way. We’ve seen one big wreck take out the leaders today. Making sure he’s not part of the next one is Busch’s top priority.

For Rowdy, a win today breaks his 90-race winless streak. The stakes are high for the 8 team. Moving into 2026, they will have a new crew chief and a new season to get back to their winning ways. Getting started early with a win to end this season would do a lot for RCR and this crew. Not to mention, Busch himself.

So far, the penalty hasn’t been a major deal. Both Chase Briscoe and Kyle Busch have bounced back from the ordeal and are running very well with the lead pack. Could the 19 or the 8 car flip the script from penalty to victory?