NASCAR’s decision to bring back the Chase format in 2026 has sparked a wave of optimism across the garage and among fans longing for a more traditional championship feel. Consistency is back in focus, elimination chaos is gone, and many believe the sport has finally found a middle ground.
But while the community debates how this change could clean up racing etiquette and tone down desperation moves, Kyle Busch isn’t buying into the feel-good narrative. The two-time Cup champion has never been one to sugarcoat reality, and as the hype builds around what the new format might fix, Busch is already delivering a blunt reminder of what won’t change once the helmets go on.
Advertisement
NASCAR’s aggression problem won’t be fixed – Kyle Busch
When NASCAR confirmed its return to the Chase format for 2026, some drivers suggested the change could dial back the desperation that defined the “win-and-you’re-in” format and elimination-style playoffs. One reporter put that theory directly to Kyle Busch, asking whether the old format had encouraged reckless dive bombs and whether fans would now see less of it.
Busch being Busch didn’t sugarcoat his opinion.
“No. When you watch all the children that race all year long in the ARCAs and Late Models and the other things, you see that stuff already. They’re taught from a very young age to dive bomb and run into them, and door that guy.”
And if you think about it, Busch isn’t exactly wrong. NASCAR’s recent seasons have featured a noticeable spike in aggressive driving, particularly from younger drivers whose development came through ARCA and Late Models. That mindset doesn’t suddenly disappear because the championship format changes. If anything, it’s already baked in.
Advertisement
A prime example is Carson Hocevar. The Michigan native went full-time Cup racing in 2024 after climbing the ladder from ARCA and Late Models. By 2025, Hocevar had become one of the most polarizing drivers in the garage. His raw speed was undeniable, but so was the chaos that often followed him. Aggressive moves, on-track incidents, and burned bridges became part of his reputation, earning him multiple rivals. And as you all know, it includes Kyle Busch himself.
Busch’s issues with Hocevar didn’t start in the Cup Series. They trace back to Hocevar’s early Late Model days, as Busch highlighted where all the ‘aggression problems’ begin. Busch says a young Hocevar dumped him into the fence at Kalamazoo Speedway without apology or accountability. In Busch’s view, that symbolizes a larger problem: the aggression isn’t controlled at the development stage, and it carries over to the highest levels of the sport, where the stakes are bigger, the spotlight is harsher, and the margin for error is far smaller.
That’s why Busch remains skeptical. The Chase may reward consistency again. However, it won’t erase a generation raised to believe contact is just another racing tool. Formats can change. Driving habits don’t, at least not overnight.
Busch fires a blunt warning at Tony Stewart
Tony Stewart’s surprise return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series may have fans buzzing. But Kyle Busch wasted no time reminding everyone just how unforgiving Daytona can be, especially in today’s garage. With Kaulig Racing confirming Stewart will pilot the No. 25 Ram Truck in the season opener on February 13, it marks Smoke’s first Truck Series start in more than two decades. The résumé is unquestioned. The rust, however, is real.
Advertisement
Busch, who remains one of the most battle-hardened drivers in the series, spoke from experience. A past winner at Atlanta last year and a former Daytona victor himself, Busch understands how quickly things can unravel in pack racing. His response to Stewart’s return was equal parts sarcasm and warning. “I need to get him one of my shirts that I wore there a few years ago,” Busch said. “Where this is the most expensive day of the year for the owners.”
Then came the sharper jab.
“I hope he doesn’t plan on finishing,” Busch added, delivering a seven-word reality check that perfectly summed up modern Truck Series chaos.
It wasn’t a shot at Stewart’s ability. If anything, it was a commentary on how aggressive (and unforgiving) the racing has become since Stewart last competed. Today’s Truck Series is packed with young drivers raised on dive bombs, restarts, and zero patience, especially at superspeedways. Experience helps, but survival often comes down to luck and timing.
Advertisement
That said, counting Tony Stewart out would be foolish. While he hasn’t raced a NASCAR national series event since 2016, Stewart hasn’t been away from motorsports. Running a competitive NHRA Top Fuel operation and managing teams has kept him sharp in different ways. Daytona will be a test, no doubt. But if anyone knows how to embrace chaos, it’s Smoke.
The post Kyle Busch Issues Brutal Wake-Up Call Amidst NASCAR Community’s Championship Format Hype appeared first on EssentiallySports.
