Kyle Busch Sep 4, 2022; Darlington, South Carolina, USA; Kyle Busch, driver of the (18) M&M’s Toyota, arrives for driver introductions prior to the COOK OUT Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

In a massive move in the NASCAR world, Kyle Busch is leaving Joe Gibbs Racing after 15 years with the team to join Richard Childress Racing. Busch won’t be able to drive for his new team until 2023 as he’s still under contract with Joe Gibbs Racing, but he’s already made quite the impression on his new boss, Richard Childress.

During Busch’s introductory press conference with RCR on Tuesday, Childress offered quite the comparison for Busch, saying that his new driver reminded him of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr.

“We started talking and we talked about championships. And we talked about winning races. I looked at him in his eye and I seen that look in Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s eye,” Childress explained.  “He’s hungry. We’re gonna win. I’d seen that look before and watching Kyle, I watched his talent for many years since he started in the Busch Series. Just how he handles a car, the car control, the way he drives a car, and take-no-prisoner attitude. That’s the Dale Earnhardt style that I was accustomed to racing with. And I think Kyle has that modern style of racing that Dale Earnhardt had in his time.”

Busch won’t get the chance to drive the legendary No. 3 car as Childress’ grandson Austin Dillon already drives the iconic number. But that won’t stop the comparisons.

[Bob Pockrass]