Kyle Busch News: Car Retired, Reserved for 11-Year-Old Son Brexton
On Friday afternoon Richard Childress Racing announced it will retire the No. 8 car for the time being.
"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 team announced.
The move came after the unexpected death of star driver Kyle Busch, who died suddenly after being hospitalized with a severe illness on Thursday. He was just 41 years old.
"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. The No. 8 is reserved and ready for Brexton Busch when he is ready to go NASCAR racing," the team revealed.
Kyle Busch Collapsed During Training
Busch was testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on Wednesday when he became unresponsive and was transported to a hospital in Charlotte, according to the Associated Press.
He experienced shortness of breath, felt he was overheating and was coughing up blood the day before his death, according to a 911 call.
Initial Statement Revealed He Suffered From 'Severe Illness'
After being hospitalized, the Busch family announced the future Hall of Fame driver suffered from a severe illness. The family, just hours later, announced his passing.
"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," it read. "Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch.
"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."
The Coca-Cola 600 will continue as scheduled at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 24.
Related: Kyle Busch News: NASCAR Makes Decision on Coca-Cola 600
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 7:09 PM.