If there is a NASCAR driver who truly needs a break, it is undoubtedly Kyle Busch. The Cup Series icon has faced a rather challenging season, marked by a series of setbacks. He has achieved the fewest top-fives (5), top-tens (10), and laps led (230) in his career. Additionally, his average finish (18.3) was the worst since his rookie year (21.0 in 2005). Thus, the Richard Childress Racing driver is in desperate need of some time off.

Taking a Break and Spending Time with Family

Kyle Busch is already on this mission. While meticulously preparing for his Chili Bowl national debut, he is cherishing quality moments with his loved ones. With a wonderful wife and two adorable children, Busch is heading to the beach for a cozy holiday. This might help him ease the pain of this year's tough battles.In Kansas, Rowdy was already starting anew. That race was extremely disappointing for Kyle Busch - he was leading until a late-race caution dropped him to 19th. Afterward, he expressed a sense of numbness. Somehow, he managed to make it through the postseason and is now eagerly looking forward to a new venture. The 39-year-old Cup veteran participated in USAC National Midget events at Bakersfield Speedway on November 26 and Ventura Raceway on November 30. This was a warm-up for his upcoming Chili Bowl Nationals event, which is scheduled to take place from January 13 to January 18, 2025, at the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.But for now, Kyle Busch is diverting his energy towards the West Coast. The 63-time Cup race winner dedicated solid hours to practice for his dirt venture - Kyle Busch recently tested at Rockfish Speedway to get more comfortable with the car. Now, Rowdy is ready to enjoy the beach with Samantha and their children Brexton and Lennix. He recently posted on Instagram: "This week was a lot of learning, and getting a feel for the car in prep for Chili Bowl. Had a good time on the west coast but ready to chill w the fam and celebrate the holidays."Samantha Busch also shared an update on the Busch family's vacation. She captioned, "Life on the west coast." The gentle sea waves and sandy beaches are expected to rejuvenate the senses, which the 231 NASCAR national series race winner desperately needs for 2025. Firstly, he aims to join an elite group of Cup drivers who have won the Chilli Bowl. This list includes 2-time Cup champion Tony Stewart, 2020 champion Kyle Larson, and other drivers like Christopher Bell, Rico Abreu, Bryan Clauson, and Tracy Hines. Piloting the No. 51 Midget with sponsorship from NASCAR Cup Series partner Lucas Oil and the race's exclusive streaming partner, FloRacing, Busch hopes to make a significant impact in the very first month of 2025.

Unfinished Business in the Cup Series

Kyle Busch clearly has unfinished business in the Cup Series, as his unwavering determination shows. Over the past two decades, he has established himself as a definite Hall of Famer. Since his rookie campaign in 2005, Busch has scored at least one win per season, and as many as eight times in 2008 and 2018. During his stints at Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing, he was at the peak of his game. He accumulated 60 wins and two championships (2015, 2019). Although his time at RCR became sour after 2023, Busch is hopeful of turning things around. Several management changes have been made within the team for this purpose. For example, former Stewart-Haas Racing leaders John Klausmeier and Richard Boswell have joined the team.

Harnessing Past Success for a Thumping Return

What is most crucial is that Kyle Busch hopes to draw energy from his consistent success over the years. After the 2024 season ended, he clarified his "do or die" attitude. "I would have much rather it been - if I'm going to run six, seven more years - it last 25, 26 years, and just make it a mark that will never be achievable, right?" Busch is well aware of his situation: "But unfortunately, those things didn't happen. Things changed for me a couple of years ago, and I was grateful to be able to extend the streak last year and make it my own. But honestly, for there being guys that are at 17 (years) and one guy was at 18, and now one guy at 19, it's hard to put that many good years like that together in a row."Evidently, Kyle Busch is striving to hold onto his glory. As 2025 approaches, let's see if Rowdy can amaze us with his new ventures.