Kyle Busch’s No. 8 being retired until son, 11, takes over: ‘An important symbol’ for NASCAR, fans

Richard Childress Racing is taking a poignant step to honor the legacy of Kyle Busch. The organization has announced that the No. 8 car will be officially retired from Cup Series competition, kept in reserve until the late champion's 11-year-old son, Brexton, is prepared to step behind the wheel.

A Legacy Reserved

The decision stems from the deep connection between the driver and the branding of the car. In a statement provided to The Associated Press, RCR noted that Kyle Busch was instrumental in the stylized design of the No. 8, making it an iconic symbol for both his fanbase and the broader NASCAR community. The team emphasized that no one could carry the number forward to the standard Busch set, designating it specifically for the next generation of the family.

Changes at Charlotte

As the racing world mourns the loss of the two-time Cup Series champion, who passed away Thursday at 41, RCR is moving forward with a shift in personnel. Austin Hill will pilot the No. 33 car at Charlotte Motor Speedway during Sunday night's Coca-Cola 600. The team plans to utilize the No. 33 for the foreseeable future.

The racing community remains in shock following the events of the week. Reports indicate that Busch became unresponsive while testing in a Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on Wednesday. A 911 call obtained by The Associated Press revealed that in the 24 hours leading up to his death, the driver had experienced significant health struggles, including shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and sensations of overheating.

The Road Ahead for Brexton

While the racing world grieves, the potential for a third-generation talent remains a beacon for the future. Brexton Busch is already carving out his own path, having secured the Tulsa Shootout Jr. Sprint Championship last year—earning his first Golden Driller trophy in the process.

Brexton first strapped into a car at just 5 years old at Millbridge Speedway in 2020. According to his official website, he notched his maiden victory at Mountain Creek Speedway just a month after his debut and has continued to develop his skills on the dirt track circuit ever since.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.