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Kyle Busch is in a contract year with Richard Childress Racing.

Kyle Busch’s NASCAR Cup Series career is at a major crossroads.

The 40-year-old is in his fourth season with Richard Childress Racing. Busch signed a one-year extension with the organization ahead of 2026, meaning his future beyond this year is unclear.

On the racetrack, it has been a season of struggle for the driver of the No. 8.

Through eight races, Busch has failed to finish top 10 and has five finishes outside the top 20. He currently sits 24th in the points standings.

As of now, there is no telling what Busch’s plans are for 2027. If he decides to leave RCR at the end of 2026, where could he go? Here, we will take a look at three potential landing spots for “Rowdy” if he leaves RCR at the end of the year.

1. Spire Motorsports

Given his connections to the organization through the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, Spire Motorsports could be a place Busch drives for in 2027.

Since 2024, Busch has made part-time appearances in the Truck Series for Spire. The duo has won four races in the series, most recently at EchoPark Speedway this year.

Given his connection through the Truck Series, it would make for an easy transition if Busch decides to go Cup racing at Spire. If Spire decides to drop Daniel Suarez, who is on a one-year deal with the team, that would leave a spot open for Busch.

Or, Michael McDowell could be the odd man out. While reports indicate McDowell signed a multi-year deal with Spire in 2024, it is not disclosed when the contract expires. 

However it shakes out, the seeds are planted for Busch to potentially drive for Spire Motorsports in 2027.

2. Front Row Motorsports

While it seems unlikely, it is not impossible that Busch could end up at Front Row Motorsports in 2027.

FRM drivers Noah Gragson and Todd Gilliland are facing contract years with the team. If the opportunity presents itself, Busch could land a spot in the organization.

However, with Layne Riggs and Chandler Smith on the rise in FRM’s Truck Series program, it is likely they are looking towards the future with their lineup of younger drivers. 

Busch has also never driven a Ford in his Cup Series career as he has primarily driven Toyota and Chevrolet. Still, with seats potentially opening up, it could be a possibility for Busch in 2027.

3. Hendrick Motorsports

Kyle Busch was 19 years old when he first moved up to the Cup Series full-time in 2005.

Which team did he drive for? Hendrick Motorsports.

Busch spent the early days of his career wheeling the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. In three seasons, he won four races with the team. 

In 2008, Dale Earnhardt Jr. joined HMS, leaving Busch as the odd man out. Busch joined Joe Gibbs Racing ahead of the 2008 season, where he captured two Cup championships and 56 race wins across 15 years.

Alex Bowman is in a contract season with HMS. Amid a vertigo diagnosis that sidelined him for four races, Bowman is last among full-time drivers in the points standings.

In the races he has run in 2026, Bowman has finished no better than 23rd. The driver of the No. 48 has also not won a Cup race since 2024.

At the twilight of his career, it would be fitting for Busch to return to the organization where it all started.