Richard Childress addressed the media at Michigan, the first time since Kyle Busch’s sudden demise. Speaking with the media, the Richard Childress Racing owner revealed that Busch’s No.8 has been reserved for his son Brexton whenever he’s ready to join NASCAR.
Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch suddenly passed away on May 21, 2026. Earlier that day, the Busch family released a statement about the RCR driver facing a severe illness. Just hours later, NASCAR announced that Busch had passed away.
Busch’s wife, Samantha, and his children, Brexton and Lennix, were at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, as NASCAR honoured the icon of the sport. RCR had already announced that they will reserve the No.8 for Brexton Busch whenever the youngster is ready for NASCAR. RCR will instead run the No.33 for the remainder of the season.
Brexton Busch is an upcoming driver who races late models, sprint cars and legend cars as he prepares to climb the stock car racing ladder. Richard Childress came out in Michigan and announced that the No.8 will be reserved for Brexton irrespective of what team he races for.
“Kyle designed that style of No.8. Not to put any pressure on him (Brexton) to run the 8, but it’s there for him. We have the stylized No.8 registered or patented, or however they do it. And we will save it for Brexton if he ever comes to us and says ‘Hey I’m going to drive for Rick Hendrick, I’m going to use that 8’. That’s what I’m saying, we’re saving it for him, for his future if he wants to run it.”
Richard Childress claims Kyle Busch’s son Brexton will “carry the Busch legacy many years to come”
Richard Childress was questioned at Michigan about how RCR and NASCAR can help Kyle Busch’s son Brexton and put him in the best possible spot for the future. The RCR owner replied,
“I think, again, just showing him the respect – and trying not to put more pressure on him, just like Dale Jr., not put more pressure on him. I think that he’s got a great future ahead. That kid can drive a race car. He’s just a bright young man and a great little race driver. He’ll carry the Busch legacy many years to come.”
Richard Childress confirmed that Austin Hill will be driving the No.33 for the remainder of the season. He also urged NASCAR to induct Kyle Busch into the Hall of Fame this year.
