Busch Legacy Continues

Richard Childress Details RCR Future, Reserves No. 8 for Brexton After Kyle Busch's Death

In the wake of Kyle Busch’s sudden death at 41, Richard Childress said RCR has been forced to quickly reshape its plans, including decisions about car numbers and future Cup opportunities. Childress confirmed the No. 8 Chevrolet is being kept out of use and reserved for Busch’s son Brexton Busch if and when he chooses to pursue NASCAR, drawing parallels to RCR’s earlier grief after Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s death. At Michigan, Childress also said RCR is not announcing anything further regarding Busch’s planned contract extension because the press conference meant to reveal an agreement through 2027 was canceled after Busch’s passing. Instead, Childress announced that Austin Hill will drive the No. 33 for the remainder of the season, a change from earlier expectations that Hill would only make select appearances and one that makes the No. 33 effectively RCR’s current flagship entry. Childress described Busch as confident late in his final weeks that improved cars could still make the Chase, but said the team’s immediate priority now is navigating the rest of the year and deciding next steps for the driver lineup beyond. While Hill’s expanded role has drawn mixed reactions for his aggressive style and on-track incidents, Childress framed the move as a necessary choice to avoid constant driver changes and to support RCR’s commercial partners.

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