Kyle Busch Fires Back at Shane van Gisbergen’s ‘Old and Scared’ Jab: A NASCAR Rivalry Ignites

The NASCAR Cup Series has always been a stage for high-octane competition and fiery personalities, but the latest clash between two-time champion Kyle Busch and road course sensation Shane van Gisbergen has turned heads and sparked conversations across the motorsport world. In a recent live interview, Busch responded to a provocative comment from van Gisbergen, who labeled the veteran driver “old and scared” during a SiriusXM NASCAR Radio appearance. The exchange, rooted in their contrasting racing styles and career trajectories, has added a fresh layer of intrigue to the 2025 season, especially as Busch fights to reclaim his playoff contender status while van Gisbergen dominates the road course scene.

The drama unfolded following van Gisbergen’s cheeky remark about Busch’s participation in the Legends Pro division at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Summer Shootout. The New Zealand native, known for his fearless driving and three consecutive road course wins this season, didn’t hold back. “Kyle’s a bit old and scared, he races in the Masters class. He doesn’t race with us. That would have been fun,” van Gisbergen said, taking a playful yet pointed dig at Busch’s choice to compete in a less competitive class rather than face him, Bubba Wallace, and IndyCar’s Scott McLaughlin head-on. The comment, delivered with a smirk, was a classic blend of rivalry banter and psychological warfare, setting the stage for Busch’s sharp retort.

Busch, never one to shy away from a verbal sparring match, fired back during a live interview, addressing van Gisbergen’s taunt with a mix of defiance and sarcasm. “Ask Shane how many races he’s actually finished in the pro class. Or how many bumpers or fenders or tow links he’s knocked off in the legends cars,” Busch quipped. “My car’s been clean and green, and we’ve won a few times, so it’s been much more fun having my stuff come back after a race in one piece.” His response was a masterclass in turning the tables, highlighting his own consistency and subtly questioning van Gisbergen’s aggressive style, which has occasionally led to on-track chaos.

This verbal volley comes at a critical juncture for both drivers. Busch, now 40, is enduring the longest winless streak of his career, stretching over 75 races. His 2025 season has been a rollercoaster, with flashes of brilliance—like a fifth-place finish at Chicago and a tenth at Sonoma—marred by persistent grip issues with his No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet. Despite these struggles, Busch remains a formidable figure, with a history of turning adversity into triumph. In 2015, he overcame a broken leg to win four races in five starts and claim his first Cup Series championship. Fans, or “Rowdy Nation” as they’re known, are holding out hope for a similar comeback, especially as Busch fights to secure a playoff spot with only a few races left in the regular season.

Van Gisbergen, on the other hand, is riding a wave of momentum. The Trackhouse Racing driver has redefined road course racing in NASCAR since his debut win at the Chicago Street Course in 2023. His 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular, with victories at Mexico City, Chicago, and Sonoma, tying a record set by Jeff Gordon for three consecutive road course wins from the pole. His heel-and-toe braking technique, a rarity in NASCAR, has left competitors like Busch and Kyle Larson in awe. “He’s just really, really good,” Busch admitted in a press conference at Sonoma Raceway. “For me to try to figure that out, it would be until my retirement before I’m even 10% as good as he is at it.” This rare compliment from Busch underscores van Gisbergen’s dominance, but it also reveals the veteran’s frustration at being outpaced on road courses.

The tension between the two drivers isn’t new. Earlier in the season, at the Nashville Superspeedway, van Gisbergen unleashed an expletive-laden rant over the team radio after a restart incident with Busch. “What the f*** was that 8 doing? What a d***head,” he fumed, believing Busch’s aggressive move cost him positions. The incident, which saw Busch finish 12th and van Gisbergen 25th, highlighted their contrasting approaches: Busch’s calculated aggression versus van Gisbergen’s bold, sometimes reckless, style. Interestingly, Busch later confronted van Gisbergen about a similar move in Chicago, where the Kiwi’s passing technique raised eyebrows. “It’s weird here in NASCAR,” van Gisbergen reflected post-race. “Everywhere else in the world, that doesn’t get spoken about. But here, I had Kyle Busch have a go at me after the driver’s briefing.”

This clash of cultures—Busch’s NASCAR-bred intensity versus van Gisbergen’s Supercars-honed audacity—has fueled their rivalry. Van Gisbergen, a three-time Australian Supercars champion, has had to adapt to NASCAR’s unwritten rules, where aggressive passing can draw criticism, even if it’s clean. “They expect room on exit, and I need to adapt that mindset a bit more,” he admitted. Yet, he remains unapologetic, noting that he’d likely make the same move again if it meant going for the win. Busch, meanwhile, thrives on being the provocateur, using his experience and reputation to unsettle younger drivers like van Gisbergen.

The NASCAR community has eaten up this feud, with fans and analysts alike buzzing about its implications. Social media platforms, particularly Facebook especially, have been alight with clips of van Gisbergen’s radio outbursts and Busch’s witty comebacks, making this rivalry a perfect storm for engagement. The contrast between Busch’s storied legacy and van Gisbergen’s meteoric rise creates a narrative that resonates with both hardcore NASCAR fans and casual viewers. Posts on X have amplified the drama, with one user noting, “SVG calling Busch ‘old and scared’ is the kind of spice NASCAR needs!” Another praised Busch’s response, saying, “Kyle’s clapback was pure gold—clean and green, baby!”

As the season heads toward its climax, the Busch-van Gisbergen saga is far from over. Their next chance to settle the score comes at Dover Motor Speedway, where Busch’s experience on the “Monster Mile” could give him an edge. However, van Gisbergen’s road course dominance has raised questions about whether he can translate his skills to ovals, a challenge he acknowledges. “I didn’t expect to go out and get great results on ovals, but it has been very tough,” he said before the Charlotte race. “We’re getting better every week, we’re still learning.”

For Busch, the stakes are higher. Missing the playoffs for a second consecutive year would be a bitter pill for a driver of his caliber. Yet, his recent contract extension with Richard Childress Racing signals confidence in a turnaround. “This has extended our contract out another year, and we’re really excited,” team owner Richard Childress said, signaling that Busch’s hunger for victory remains undiminished.

What makes this rivalry so compelling is its blend of respect and rivalry. Busch has praised van Gisbergen’s talent, while the Kiwi respects Busch’s legacy, even as he challenges it. “He’s well-respected, and I respect him,” van Gisbergen said after their Chicago confrontation. But respect doesn’t mean backing down, and both drivers are poised to push each other to the limit. Will Busch silence his critics with a playoff-clinching win? Can van Gisbergen continue his road course reign and prove himself on ovals? One thing is certain: this feud is driving NASCAR’s narrative into overdrive, and fans won’t want to miss what happens next.