Richard Childress Racing Suspending Use Of Kyle Busch's No. 8 Car

The motorsports community lost an icon this week in Kyle Busch. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion died at the age of 41.

Busch was hospitalized earlier this week with a severe illness. According to The Associated Press, the NASCAR legend was found unresponsive on Wednesday while testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord.

"Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch. 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," NASCAR said in a statement.

"His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation.' Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha's parents, Kurt and all of Kyle's family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans. NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon. During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family's privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate."

With the Coca-Cola 600 set for this weekend, Richard Childress Racing announced that Busch's No. 8 car has been suspended indefinitely. In fact, his vehicle is strictly being reserved for his son Brexton.

"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," the team said. "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."

NASCAR fans applauded Richard Childress Racing for this decision, calling it a "classy" move among other things.

The legend of Kyle Busch.

Busch, who was in his 22nd season in the Cup Series, won 63 races in NASCAR's division. He also had 102 wins in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and 69 victories in the Craftsman Truck Series.

Just a week ago, Busch won the Ecosave 200 at Dover Motor Speedway. He gave an incredible quote when asked by Fox Sports reporter Amanda Busick why moments on Victory Lane never get old.

"Because you never know when the last one is," Busch told Busick.

NASCAR fans certainly enjoyed every moment Busch spent on the track. His legacy will be honored forever.

Copyright The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 3:26 PM.