The No. 8 car that Kyle Busch drove from 2023 until his unexpected passing at 41 will be retired until his 11-year-old son, Brexton, is ready to take the wheel.
Richard Childress Racing announced on social media that the No. 8 car will be sidelined, opting to use the No. 33 car at Charlotte Motor Speedway and future races. “Kyle Busch played a significant role in the design of RCR’s distinct No. 8, which became a powerful symbol for his fans and the NASCAR community. No one can drive it with the same flair as he did,” the statement read.
This decision serves as a heartfelt tribute to Busch, who’s widely recognized for his impressive 63 wins, making him one of the legends of NASCAR. Many fellow drivers gathered to show their support following his hospitalization for what was called a “serious illness.”
Sources indicate that Busch became unresponsive while using a racing simulator at the General Motors Charlotte Technical Center in Concord, North Carolina. Emergency audio revealed he was found vomiting blood while on the bathroom floor near the simulator.
He was slated to race in the Coca-Cola 600 prior to his health crisis, and his final victory came on May 15 during the 2026 Ecosave 200 in the Craftsman Truck Series.
NASCAR expressed their shock and sorrow over Busch’s passing, stating, “On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, and all of NASCAR, we are deeply saddened to announce the sudden and tragic death of Kyle Busch. A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a fierce and passionate talent who cared profoundly about the sport and its fans.”
Meanwhile, Brexton has already notched over 100 tournament victories. Just days before his father’s death, Busch had shared a touching Instagram post celebrating Brexton’s birthday, expressing pride in the young boy’s growth. “Happy Birthday, Brexton!!! Your mom and I are so proud of the person you have become! You are the best kid on and off the track,” Busch wrote. “Keep doing what you’re doing, and there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. I love you, buddy!”
