5 notable NASCAR drivers who flopped after team switch ft. Kyle Busch to RCR

NASCAR is a competitive sport and drivers don't always get to stay with the same team. But switching teams can be tough for any driver. Some find success while other struggle to keep up their performance.

Here are five drivers who faced problems after changing teams, including Kyle Busch’s rough start with Richard Childress Racing after leaving Joe Gibbs Racing last year.

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Kurt Busch to Chip Ganassi Racing

Kyle's older brother Kurt Busch joined Stewart-Haas Racing in 2014. He moved to Chip Ganassi Racing in 2019 but had a tough time. He won a race in Kentucky in 2019 and made the NASCAR playoffs, but his performances were inconsistent. During the following season, he won at Las Vegas, but again struggled at other races.

The 2021 season was also rough, as Busch only had a few strong finishes and one win at Atlanta that got him into the playoffs. He was knocked out in the Round of 16 and ended the season 11th in points.

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Kyle Busch to RCR

Kyle Busch currently drives the No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Richard Childress Racing. Driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, he won the NASCAR Cup Series championship twice in 2015 and 2019. However, he has faced tough times since joining Richard Childress Racing (RCR) in 2023.

Busch has struggled for consistency. He won three races but had about a dozen spins or crashes during races in the 2023 season. In 2024, he finished 12th at Daytona and has had the most number of crashes so far this year (13 in 22 races).

His performances have been below expectations, which has caused frustration and rumors about his future.

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Former NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Hendrick Motorsports

After competing with his father's team in the No. 8 Chevrolet from 1999 to 2007 and gaining 17 wins, Dale Earnhardt Jr. joined Hendrick Motorsports. During his time with Hendrick Motorsports, he won races but also had several car problems, accidents, and concussion injuries.

His last full-time season in 2017 saw him make only one top-five finish and he failed to reach the NASCAR playoffs. He started in 24th place and finished in 25th place at his last career race.

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Erik Jones to Richard Petty Motorsports

After joining Richard Petty Motorsports from Joe Gibbs Racing in 2021, Jones faced several tough seasons. He finished 24th in points during his first season, and ended in 18th in the following year. He had a reassuring win at Darlington in 2022, which was also Petty GMS's first victory since 2014.

However, Jones struggled with consistency. His performances varied from scoring a top-five finish in Fontana, to facing penalties and missing the NASCAR playoffs. Overall, Jones’ stretch with Richard Petty Motorsports was pretty challenging.

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Clinton Bowyer to MWR

Clint Bowyer won the 2008 Nationwide Series championship during his full-time stint in the Cup Series with Richard Childress Racing from 2005 to 2011. He moved to Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) in 2012, and started strong with a successful debut year. He won three races and finished second in the championship.

However, he got into a heated rivalry with Jeff Gordon and had controversial incidents. The following years saw even more ups and downs. There were accusations about a deliberate spin at Richmond International Raceway in 2013. This was followed by a tough 2014 season. He finished his last season with 12 top-10 finishes and 16th place in the standings.

Ultimately, Bowyer parted ways with MWR and joined HScott Motorsports in 2016, and then Stewart-Haas in 2017.