Richard Childress Racing has made an emotional decision regarding one of the most recognizable numbers in its NASCAR history, announcing that the No. 8 will be set aside and reserved for Brexton Busch, the son of the late Kyle Busch.
RCR announced in May that it would suspend the use of the No. 8 following Kyle Busch’s death. The organization immediately moved its second Cup Series entry to the No. 33, with Austin Hill taking over the car. RCR said the No. 8 would remain untouched until Brexton is ready to compete in NASCAR.
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The decision carries plenty of meaning for both RCR and the Busch family. Kyle Busch played a major role in the design of RCR’s stylized No. 8, and the number became closely associated with him during his time with the organization.
“No one can carry it forward to the level that he did,” RCR said when announcing the decision, adding that the No. 8 is “reserved and ready for Brexton Busch when he is ready to go NASCAR racing.”
Brexton is only 11 years old, but he has already built an impressive racing résumé. He began racing at just five years old and has competed in a variety of dirt and short-track racing disciplines. His progress has made him one of the most closely watched young racers connected to a NASCAR family.
Richard Childress has also spoken highly of Brexton, praising both his ability behind the wheel and his maturity away from the track. Childress said he believes Brexton has a bright future and can carry the Busch racing legacy forward for years to come.
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The decision also mirrors RCR’s handling of the legendary No. 3 following Dale Earnhardt’s death in 2001. The organization eventually brought the number back in 2014 when Richard Childress’ grandson, Austin Dillon, took it into the NASCAR Cup Series.
Now, the No. 8 has its own future waiting. Whenever Brexton Busch eventually reaches NASCAR’s top level, he could have the opportunity to climb into the same number his father made his own.
For RCR, the No. 8 is no longer simply a car number. It is a piece of Kyle Busch’s legacy and potentially the beginning of the next chapter of the Busch family in NASCAR.
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