Richard Childress Racing Retires Kyle Busch’s No. 8 for Brexton Busch’s Future

Richard Childress Racing has announced the temporary retirement of the No. 8 Cup Series car, driven by the late Kyle Busch. This decision stands until Busch’s 11-year-old son, Brexton, is prepared to join the series.

The team will use the No. 33 car for the upcoming races, starting with the Coca-Cola 600. Austin Hill will drive in place of Busch, who tragically passed away with no cause of death disclosed.

Brexton Busch, following in his father’s footsteps, has already made a name in racing. Last year, he won the Tulsa Shootout Jr. Sprint Championship, securing his first Golden Driller award.

Kyle Busch was instrumental in the design of RCR’s stylized No. 8. It is synonymous with Kyle and highly significant for his fans and the NASCAR community, RCR stated. The No. 8 is reserved for Brexton Busch when he is ready to go NASCAR racing.

Brexton began racing at age 5 at Millbridge Speedway in the Beginner Box Stock division, winning his first race soon after at Mountain Creek Speedway. In 2024, he triumphantly claimed 48 victories, earning 126 top-ten finishes and 107 top-five finishes across different race car formats.

This decision to change the car number mirrors a history within the team. Following Dale Earnhardt’s fatal accident at the Daytona 500 in 2001, RCR switched from the No. 3 to No. 29. The No. 3 was revived in 2014 when Richard Childress’ grandson, Austin Dillon, took over as its driver.