So, you’re looking to see if Kyle Busch is racing today, Sunday, January 18, 2026. If you’re a fan of "Rowdy," you’re probably itching for that first green flag of the year. Honestly, though, the short answer is no—Kyle Busch isn't in a Cup Series car today.
But it’s not because he’s taking a vacation. The NASCAR world is currently in that weird, quiet-but-busy lull right before the storm. We are officially in the "offseason," even though for most of these guys, there is no such thing as truly being off.
Why Isn’t He on the Track Right Now?
Basically, the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season hasn't officially kicked off yet. If you look at the schedule, the engines don't really start screaming for points until February. Right now, Busch and the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) crew are deep in the "prep and pray" phase of the year.
Usually, around this time in January, you might catch some of the guys doing dirt racing. In fact, the legendary Chili Bowl Nationals just wrapped up yesterday in Tulsa. While Kyle has been known to dabble in dirt and late models during the winter, his primary focus today is likely centered on his new crew chief, Jim Pohlman.
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Pohlman joined the No. 8 team from JR Motorsports, and the pressure is on. After a 2025 season that many fans (and let’s be real, Kyle himself) found frustrating, the next few weeks are critical for getting the Chevy Camaros dialed in.
When Can You See Kyle Busch Race Next?
If you’re wondering when the dry spell ends, you won't have to wait much longer. Here is the upcoming schedule for Rowdy as we head into the meat of the 2026 season:
- February 1: The Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. This is the big one to circle. It’s an exhibition race, sure, but it’s at "The Madhouse." Expect tempers to flare and paint to be swapped.
- February 12: The Bluegreen Vacations Duels. These are the qualifying races that set the field for the big show.
- February 15: The Daytona 500. This is the official start of the points-paying season.
It’s kinda wild to think that we’re less than two weeks away from cars being back on track in some capacity.
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What’s Different for Busch in 2026?
People are talking a lot about the 2026 schedule because it looks a bit different than what we’ve seen recently. For one, NASCAR is bringing back "The Chase" name and format, which has stirred up a lot of debate among the "old school" vs. "new school" fans.
Also, the finale is moving. Instead of Phoenix, the championship will be decided at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 8. Kyle has always been strong at Homestead, so that’s a massive plus for the No. 8 team if they can make the final four.
The team also recently spent time testing at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Busch mentioned in a few interviews that the goal for this year is consistency. He’s tired of the "winless" talk. He’s looking to prove that he’s still one of the most dangerous drivers on the grid.
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Looking Ahead
Is Kyle Busch racing today? No. But the countdown to the Clash is very much on. If you're a die-hard member of the Rowdy Nation, use this downtime to stock up on gear or check out the new 2026 rule changes regarding aerodynamics.
The best way to stay ready is to keep an eye on the official RCR social channels. They usually post behind-the-scenes clips of seat fittings and shop prep during this week in January.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the TV listings for February 1st on FOX; that's your first chance to see the No. 8 in action.
- Review the new playoff format details, as "The Chase" branding officially returns this season, changing how points are tracked.
- Verify your local start times for the Daytona 500, which is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET.