Several drivers would like to erase the 2024 Cup Series season from their memories. But no one would like to do it more than Kyle Busch. The Richard Childress Racing driver, admittedly, had the most difficult season of his career this year and failed to win a single race. It’s the first time in 19 seasons that he hasn’t reached victory lane at least once.

Although disappointing, the end of the series shined a bright light on how high his legacy stands in history. This season is only the second in which neither Lee Petty, Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, nor Busch have won a race. The first time this happened was in 1978. What’s interesting about this statistic is the common bond between this set of drivers.

They are all highly successful icons who have transcended the sport and won multiple championships. For Busch to be named among them is a huge honor, to say the least.

A key man for him in this category is Earnhardt. In 1997, the legend was in a similar situation to the one Busch is in now. He suffered from his first winless year since 1981 that season.

It was a big sign that he was losing his form. Of course, critics began to question his ability to produce magic on the runway as he had done previously.

However, he got into his car at the 1998 season-opening Daytona 500 and cruised to victory lane. It was his first win in the Daytona 500. This story proves that Busch, being the Rowdy that he is, can’t be written off just yet.

Kyle Busch’s message to fans after the 2024 season

A day after the curtains finally came down in Phoenix, Busch took to social media to send a message to the fandom. He he wrote on X, “Probably the hardest year of my career. Full of trials, n heartaches. I know my guys at RCR will be going for it this winter and we will come back stronger next season.”

“We are grateful for all our partners who help us do what we love. Thanks Rowdy Nation for sticking me. You are the best.” The 39-year-old has come close to victory several times this season. He even finished second in back-to-back races in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 and Southern 500.

However, these results just weren’t enough to fill the cup. It’s not up to him and his team no. 8 Richard Childress Racing to bounce back like Earnhardt did.