NASCAR 2026: What Kyle Busch's new crew chief can bring to RCR

Kyle Busch's new NASCAR crew chief has already given fans an idea of what they can expect from him as he embarks upon his new journey at Richard Childress Racing.

Jim Pohlman is set to be the new man on top of the pit box for the No. 8 crew in the Cup Series this season, returning to the team having spent the last three years leading Justin Allgaier at JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series.

Pohlman replaces Randall Burnett after he announced late last year that he would be moving to Trackhouse Racing to work with Connor Zilisch for 2026.

As Busch's crew chief since he started at RCR in 2023, Burnett oversaw multiple wins for the two-time Cup Series champion, but at the same time, had also presided over a winless streak that has lasted two and a half seasons.

With that said, it might not be a bad thing for Busch and the team to have a new voice in the garage.

NASCAR TODAY: Ross Chastain reveals series switch as lawsuit fears revealed

Pohlman looking to bring mentality to RCR

Speaking after last fall’s Talladega race, which came shortly after his position as Busch’s 2026 crew chief was confirmed, Pohlman was quizzed on what he could bring to Richard Childress Racing heading into the new year.

Pohlman said that mentality was very much his focus heading into the winter and the new season.

“First off, it's a huge honor to work for Richard Childress and Kyle Bush,” Pohlman told Motorsport’s Matt Weaver.

“Richard's a Hall of Famer. Kyle Busch is probably a first ballot future Hall of Famer. They both know how to get the job done.

“I think they have a great organization, and I think Kyle’s a great race car driver. There are no problems there, and I feel like I can come in and help lead the company and do some things that they’ve asked me to do and just bring the mentality, right?

“I think the biggest thing to this sport is having your headspace, right? Being focused on your own stuff and what you have to do.

“So yeah, I'm definitely looking forward to getting in there and getting to work this winter.”