Kyle Busch to Contest Full Eight-Race Schedule in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Spire Motorsports in 2026

Spire Motorsports has officially confirmed that two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch will participate in the maximum allowable eight NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) races during the 2026 season. This announcement marks a significant return for Busch to the series where he holds the all-time wins record. He will pilot the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado, with HendrickCars.com serving as the primary sponsor for his efforts.

Busch, a dominant force in NASCAR for nearly two decades, brings an unparalleled resume to his select NCTS outings. His career statistics are staggering, featuring 63 NASCAR Cup Series victories and 102 wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. However, it is in the Craftsman Truck Series where Busch has achieved his greatest numerical success, accumulating an astonishing 67 wins. His most recent NCTS victory occurred at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the preceding season, a thrilling photo-finish triumph also with Spire Motorsports, highlighting his continued prowess in the discipline.

The decision to increase Busch’s NCTS race count comes following a recent amendment by NASCAR regarding participation rules for Cup Series drivers in lower series, often referred to colloquially as the "Kyle Busch rule." This adjustment allows for a greater number of starts for established Cup Series regulars, a change Busch himself acknowledged in a statement released by Spire Motorsports.

"I’m excited that after NASCAR amended the ‘Kyle Busch rule’ that I was able to work it out with Jeff (Dickerson, owner), Brian (Pattie, crew chief) and everyone at Spire Motorsports to increase my race count up to the eight that are allowed this year," Busch stated. "With the schedule we’ve put together, the majority of the tracks I’m fortunate to have a lot of wins at, but there are also a few that I haven’t won at yet in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and will be looking to add to the win list. I’m looking forward to going out each and every race, giving it all we can to get Mr. H, HendrickCars.com and the other partners that will fill out the schedule to Victory Lane."

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Busch’s strategic selection of tracks for his 2026 NCTS campaign appears designed to leverage his extensive experience and proven track record. The schedule includes venues where he has historically excelled, alongside opportunities to conquer circuits where he has yet to visit Victory Lane in the Truck Series. This approach underscores his competitive drive and ambition to further cement his legacy.

Joining Busch in a significant Truck Series presence for Spire Motorsports will be fellow NASCAR Cup Series competitors Ross Chastain and Carson Hocevar. Both drivers are slated to compete in a substantial portion of the 2026 NCTS schedule, balancing their Cup Series commitments with their endeavors in the series’ proving ground. This influx of top-tier talent underscores Spire Motorsports’ growing stature and their commitment to fielding competitive entries across multiple NASCAR divisions.

Spire Motorsports, founded by Jeff Dickerson and John F. Spire, has steadily built its presence in NASCAR since its inception. While historically known for its operations in the Cup Series, the team has demonstrated increasing ambition and success in the Truck Series. Busch’s return, coupled with the participation of Chastain and Hocevar, signals a concerted effort by Spire to contend for championships and race wins across the NASCAR landscape. The team’s strategic partnerships, including the continued support from HendrickCars.com, are crucial to their operational capabilities and competitive aspirations.

The full eight-race schedule for Kyle Busch in the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is as follows:

  • February 21: EchoPark Speedway, Atlanta
  • April 10: Bristol Motor Speedway
  • May 1: Texas Motor Speedway
  • May 15: Dover Motor Speedway
  • May 22: Charlotte Motor Speedway
  • May 29: Nashville Superspeedway
  • July 18: North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • August 14: Richmond Raceway

The inclusion of these tracks presents a diverse challenge for Busch and Spire Motorsports. Atlanta Motor Speedway, a track with a history of close finishes, has been a recent happy hunting ground for Busch. Bristol Motor Speedway, a legendary short track, demands precision and aggressive driving. Texas Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway are intermediate ovals that often feature high speeds and strategic racing. Dover Motor Speedway, a one-mile concrete oval, requires durability and consistent performance. Nashville Superspeedway and North Wilkesboro Speedway represent modern and re-emergent venues that test a driver’s adaptability. Richmond Raceway, a unique short track, is known for its tight corners and intense competition.

Kyle Busch’s participation in these select Truck Series races serves multiple purposes. For Busch, it offers an opportunity to maintain his competitive edge, hone his skills on different track types, and potentially add to his already record-breaking win tally. For Spire Motorsports, it provides invaluable data, a high-profile driver to attract sponsors and attention, and a benchmark for their developing Truck Series program. For the NCTS as a whole, it brings significant star power and further elevates the series’ profile. The "Kyle Busch rule" amendment, intended to foster competition and provide opportunities for seasoned drivers to participate in developmental series, appears to be yielding the desired results with this high-profile commitment.

The synergy between Kyle Busch, a driver with an unparalleled understanding of truck racing, and Spire Motorsports, a team with growing aspirations, is a compelling narrative for the 2026 season. The team’s investment in attracting top talent and securing prominent sponsorships indicates a long-term vision for success across NASCAR’s national series. The prospect of seeing Busch, a surefire Hall of Famer, compete for more Truck Series victories adds a significant layer of excitement to the upcoming season. His stated goal of visiting Victory Lane at tracks where he hasn’t yet won highlights his relentless pursuit of excellence and his commitment to leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of motorsport greatness. The partnership between Busch and Spire Motorsports is poised to be a significant storyline as the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season unfolds.

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