Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has made the heartfelt decision to retire the No. 8 car following the untimely death of Kyle Busch, one of NASCAR’s most prominent figures. The two-time Cup Series champion passed away at the age of 41, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with the number he famously drove. In a statement released on May 22, 2026, RCR announced that the No. 8 would be suspended from use and reserved for Busch’s son, Brexton, who is just 11 years old.
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Busch’s passing was confirmed just hours after the family revealed he was hospitalised due to a “severe illness.” The sad news came on May 21, a stark contrast to the hopes of fans and fellow competitors who had been following the situation closely. In their statement, RCR acknowledged the significance of the No. 8, stating it had become synonymous with Busch’s persona and achievements within the NASCAR community.
The announcement also emphasised RCR’s determination to honour Busch’s legacy. “No one can carry it forward to the level that he did. The No. 8 is reserved and ready for Brexton Busch when he is ready to go NASCAR racing,” the statement read. In a shifting yet respectful move, RCR declared it would instead compete using the No. 33 car for forthcoming races, including those at the renowned Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Kyle Busch joined RCR in 2023 after a remarkable 15-year tenure with Joe Gibbs Racing, where he solidified his status as a racing legend. His career was marked by significant victories, including two NASCAR Cup Series Championships in 2015 and 2019. Not only did he gain a reputation for his competitive spirit on the track, but he also earned recognition as one of NASCAR’s 75 greatest drivers, a prestigious accolade that was bestowed upon him earlier in 2023.
The news of Busch’s death shocked the NASCAR community, with many expressing their grief via social media platforms. A joint statement from Richard Childress Racing, the Busch family, and NASCAR declared, “On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch.”
Busch’s father, Tom, was a mechanic, and his brother Kurt is also an esteemed NASCAR driver. Busch displayed a keen interest in racing from a young age, leading to a career that would see him become one of the sport’s most iconic figures, especially during the 2000s and 2010s. However, his competitive nature came at a cost. He had been unwell leading up to his death, with reports detailing his request for medical attention during a race on May 10, shortly before he ultimately fell ill.
Tragically, Busch was discovered unresponsive inside a Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord, North Carolina, just days after racing at Dover on May 17. He had planned to participate in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at the same speedway in Concord on May 22, followed by the prestigious Coca-Cola 600 race on May 24. Unfortunately, following his hospitalisation, it was confirmed that he would miss these events.
The legacy of the No. 8 car, now retired as a mark of respect, resonates deeply with many fans who celebrated Busch’s achievements throughout his illustrious career. This commemorative act by Richard Childress Racing mirrors the past, as they previously retired the No. 3 car in honour of Dale Earnhardt following his tragic death during the 2001 Daytona 500.
In summary, the NASCAR community continues to mourn the loss of Kyle Busch, a driver whose impact will not soon be forgotten. As Brexton Busch prepares to carry on his father’s legacy in the future, the memory of the No. 8 will serve as a testament to the extraordinary racing career of Kyle Busch, celebrated by fans and fellow racers alike.