Richard Childress Racing is honoring the legacy of late NASCAR star Kyle Busch in a powerful and emotional way.
Just days after Busch’s sudden death at age 41, Richard Childress Racing announced it will suspend use of the iconic No. 8 car number that became closely tied to the two-time Cup Series champion during the final years of his career.
“Richard Childress Racing has elected to suspend use of the No. 8 and will run the No. 33 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and beyond,” the organization shared in a statement on social media.
The team also revealed the number is being reserved for Busch’s 11-year-old son, Brexton, who is already building an impressive racing résumé of his own.
“Kyle Busch was instrumental in the design of RCR’s stylized No. 8 and it has become synonymous with Kyle and an important symbol for his fans and the NASCAR industry,” the statement continued. “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 emotional tribute mirrors the organization’s decision in 2001 to retire Dale Earnhardt’s legendary No. 3 following his fatal crash at the Daytona 500. That number eventually returned to NASCAR when Richard Childress’ grandson, Austin Dillon, took over the ride in 2014.
Busch joined Richard Childress Racing in 2023 after spending 15 successful years with Joe Gibbs Racing. By then, he had already cemented himself as one of the sport’s greatest competitors.
Born in Las Vegas, Busch grew up around racing. His father, Tom Busch, worked as a mechanic, and his older brother, Kurt Busch, also became a NASCAR star. Kyle quickly rose through the ranks during the early 2000s and eventually captured Cup Series championships in 2015 and 2019. In 2023, NASCAR named him one of the sport’s 75 greatest drivers.
The racing world was stunned when Busch died Thursday after suffering severe pneumonia that reportedly progressed into sepsis, causing rapid complications. According to reports, Busch had recently battled a lingering illness and requested medical attention during a race weekend earlier this month.
His final race came during the NASCAR All-Star Race in Dover on May 17.
Hours before his death was announced, Busch’s family had revealed he was hospitalized with what they described as a “severe illness.” A joint statement later released by NASCAR, the Busch family, and Richard Childress Racing said, “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.”
Now, many fans are finding comfort in the team’s decision to preserve the No. 8 for Brexton, who began racing at just five years old and has already won dozens of races in youth competition. Last year, he captured the Tulsa Shootout Jr. Sprint Championship and earned his first Golden Driller trophy.
For many in NASCAR, the No. 8 will forever represent Kyle Busch’s fierce competitiveness, passion for racing, and unforgettable legacy on the track. And one day, if Brexton chooses to continue the family tradition, that famous number may once again race under the Busch name.