Kyle Busch has a new crew chief for the 2026 Cup Series season. He will join forces with Jim Pohlman, who moves to Richard Childress Racing from JR Motorsports.
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According to a press release from RCR, Pohlman will take over the No. 8 team during the 2026 season. He will replace Randall Burnett, who will move to Trackhouse Racing to guide Connor Zilisch.
Andy Street will continue to serve as the interim crew chief on the No. 8 team at Talladega Superspeedway, Martinsville Speedway, and Phoenix Raceway.
Pohlman has experience working at Richard Childress Racing. He previously served as the team's head of research and development. He also served as the crew chief for Austin Dillon for one race and Austin Hill for one race.
The veteran crew chief's Cup Series experience also includes leading the No. 42 team at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing for 17 races during the 2011 season. Juan Pablo Montoya's best finish during this run was seventh at Watkins Glen International.
Pohlman has spent the last three seasons guiding the No. 7 team at JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He and Justin Allgaier have delivered considerable success since first joining forces in 2023. They have celebrated nine wins together and an Xfinity Series title. The No. 7 team also finished second in the championship standings in 2023.
Three of these wins have taken place this season as the No. 7 team has roared back into the playoffs. Allgaier is currently 44 points above the Championship 4 cutline heading into this weekend's race at Talladega Superspeedway, and he has a legitimate shot to return to the Championship 4.
Pohlman will fulfill his duties at JR Motorsports before heading to Richard Childress Racing. He and Allgaier will try to close out their partnership with their second championship.
Congratulations Jim! But we have unfinished business left to tackle before you go. 👊 https://t.co/WTMxcF1DMy
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) October 16, 2025
"Everyone at Richard Childress Racing remains focused on improving performance and is committed to putting the right people in place, including on the No. 8 team," said Richard Childress, Chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing, in a press release.
"Jim Pohlman is a relentless competitor in the garage and fits in well with our mission and approach at RCR. He was well-respected during his previous tenure in Welcome, and we know that he will do a great job leading the No. 8 team and Kyle Busch."
