I think it’s an interesting question to ask how Kyle would be running in the 18 if he stayed vs how Ty Gibbs is running currently in the the renumbered 54. Would Kyle be 2014-16 Kyle Busch, probably not. Age plays a factor in that. But I also don’t think he’s as bad as what he’s been at RCR, they’re not good. Sorry to say, but they haven’t run well since Kyle won his 3 races in his first year there. It’s not lazy to say I don’t think the team gives him cars that have speed and performance in them, I think you have a combination of a driver most likely falling off his prime but can still produce in the right equipment prepared by the right people and a team that doesn’t have good enough people to prepare equipment for not only an aging driver but most likely a driver who could even compete at his peak. Look at the Harvick years there, many many roller coaster years.
I don’t think it’s as cut and dry to place blame solely on Kyle here. I also am starting to come around that he might have aged out of being that guy he was in the 18 and he’s not coming back anytime soon. My point being is that engineer, crew member, team wise I’d still give the edge to JGR here in a big way over RCR, and I’d bet if Kyle were still there they’d at least be in the 10-12 range of the Chase Grid. Currently better than they’re getting from the Grand son.
