Richard Childress Racing Retires No. 8 Car in Honor of Kyle Busch

A Legacy Honored

Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has officially announced the suspension of the No. 8 car number from active NASCAR competition. The team stated that the number will no longer be utilized, with the exception of a potential future return should Kyle Busch's son, Brexton, pursue a professional racing career.

In a statement released on Friday, May 22, the team explained the significance of the decision:

“Richard Childress Racing has elected to suspend use of the No. 8 and will run the No. 33 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and beyond. 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. No one can carry it forward to the level that he did.”

Transition to the No. 33

Following the announcement, RCR confirmed that Austin Hill will step in to pilot the No. 33 car at the Coca-Cola 600, scheduled for Sunday, May 24. The organization emphasized that the retirement of the No. 8 is not necessarily permanent, as they view it as a placeholder for the next generation of the Busch racing legacy.

“The No. 8 is reserved and ready for Brexton Busch when he is ready to go NASCAR racing,” the team added.

Remembering a NASCAR Icon

The NASCAR community continues to mourn the loss of the 41-year-old champion. A joint statement from NASCAR, the Busch family, and RCR highlighted his monumental impact on the sport:

“A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans. Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR’s highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series.”

Following in His Father's Footsteps

Young Brexton Busch, who recently turned 11, has shown a profound interest in continuing his father’s work. Having started his own racing journey at age 5, Brexton has frequently been featured on his parents' social media channels competing on the circuit. In a recent birthday tribute, Kyle Busch expressed immense pride in his son’s development both on and off the track. Since his father's passing, Brexton has paid a touching tribute by updating his personal social media profile with a photo of the two embracing at the racetrack.