The death of NASCAR driver Kyle Busch from a “severe illness” on May 21 came as a shock.
The question of who will replace the 41-year-old two-time Cup champion who drove the No. 8 car for Richard Childress Racing is not.
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Austin Hill, 32, was announced to be Busch’s replacement in the Coca-Cola 600 earlier May 21. He will remain Busch’s replacement behind the wheel for the time being.
Hill has run 17 Cup Series races in his career, with one top-10 finish, at the Chicago Street Race in 2025.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
May 3, 2026; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Richard Childress Racing driver Kyle Busch (8) is introduced before the start of the 2026 Wurth 400 cup race at Texas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
May 3, 2026; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Richard Childress Racing driver Kyle Busch (8) is introduced before the start of the 2026 Wurth 400 cup race at Texas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
BROOKLYN, MICHIGAN – JUNE 08: Kyle Busch, driver of the #8 BetMGM Chevrolet, stands on the grid during pre-race ceremonies prior to the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 08, 2025 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
May 24, 2025; Concord, North Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (8) during qualifying at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
Feb 13, 2025; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (8) during driver introductions for the Duels at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 24: (L-R) NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, his son Brexton Busch and wife Samantha Busch pose for photos on the Las Vegas Raiders’ sideline before a game between the Raiders and the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 29-19. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (8) exits his car after a wreck during the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 30, 2024.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
Apr 28, 2024; Dover, Delaware, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (left) stands with his crew chief Randall Burdett (right) on pit road prior to the Wurth 400 at Dover Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
Apr 21, 2024; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (8) before the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
Mar 30, 2024; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (8) during practice for the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
Feb 3, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (8) before qualifying for the Clash at the Coliseum at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
Nov 4, 2023; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch during qualifying for the NASCAR Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (8) signs autographs Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023, during the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch races during the Ally 400 race at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 25, 2023.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch is introduced before the Ally 400 race at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 25, 2023.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
Feb. 26: Kyle Busch celebrates after winning the Pala Casino 400 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
Feb 4, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (8) before practice for the Busch Light Clash at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
Aug 21, 2022; Watkins Glen, New York, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch prior to the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) climbs into his car during the 29th annual Verizon 200 at the Brickyard on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) prepares to get in his car Saturday, July 30, 2022, during qualifying for the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) exits his car after a lightning delay during the Ally 400 at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 26, 2022.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, left, with wife Samantha and son Brexton pose on the red carpet for the “Rowdy” movie at the Regal Opry Mills Stadium 20 of the Opry Mill Mall on Jun 23, 2022.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
Kyle Busch drives during the NASCAR Burnouts on Broadway event on Lower Broadway in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
NASCAR driver Kyle Busch reacts after finishing a burnout in the Burnouts on Broadway competition Wednesday, December 1, 2021, during NASCAR Champion’s Week in Nashville, Tenn.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
Team owner Rick Hendrick talks with NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) and Hendrick driver Kyle Larson (5) during the Bank of America Roval 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
Kyle Busch (18) in his garage during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Verizon 200 at the Brickyard on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Busch (54) celebrates in victory lane after winning the Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Saturday, June 19, 2021.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) enters his car for the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 20, 2021.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) races during the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 20, 2021.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Busch (54) celebrates winning the Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Saturday, June 19, 2021.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Busch (54) celebrates with a burnout after winning the Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Saturday, June 19, 2021.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Busch (54) celebrates in victory lane after winning the Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Saturday, June 19, 2021.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Busch (54) and his family participate in a prayer before the Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Saturday, June 19, 2021.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Busch (54) celebrates in victory lane with his son, Brexton, after winning the Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Saturday, June 19, 2021.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
Kyle Busch greets the crowd after doing a burnout during the NASCAR Burnouts on Broadway event in downtown Nashville on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
Kyle Busch gestures during the NASCAR Burnouts on Broadway event in downtown Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
Kyle Busch accepts the Champion Trophy Award during the 2019 NASCAR Cup Series Awards at Music City Center Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
Kyle Busch bows to the fans during the NASCAR Burnouts on Broadway event in downtown Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
Kyle Busch must secure one of two remaining spots in the finale if he is to have a shot at defending his 2015 Sprint Cup title.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
Kyle Busch (18) celebrates winning the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 22.
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
Nov 10, 2013; Avondale, AZ, USA; Sprint Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) and driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) before the AdvoCare 500 race at Phoenix International Raceway. Busch finishes in seventh place and Earnhardt finishes in fourth place. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: USATSI-128842 ORIG FILE ID: 20131110_sal_an4_283.JPG
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Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver, 2-time champion, brother of Kurt Busch, dad of Brexton
NASCAR star Kyle Busch climbs into his race car before the start of the CRA Budweiser 150 Presented by: The Kyle Busch Foundation at the Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville Sunday, August 23, 2009.
Here’s what to know about Austin Hill.
Has Austin Hill won any championships on the NASCAR circuit?
Hill has not won any overall season championships.
Hill did win the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series regular-season title, the 2020 Truck Series regular-season title and was named the Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year in 2022.
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What are Austin Hill’s racing stats?
Hill has 17 career Cup races during a five-year span.
His last Cup race was the Cookout 400 at Martinsville.
He has 15 career wins, 93 top-10 finishes and seven poles in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and eight wins, 54 top-10 finishes and three poles in the Craftsman Truck Series.
Where is Austin Hill from?
Hill, who is 6-foot-2, 240 pounds, was born in Winston, Georgia, on April 21, 1994.
Paul Skrbina is a sports enterprise reporter covering the Predators, Titans, Nashville SC, local colleges and local sports for The Tennessean. Reach him at pskrbina@tennessean.com and on the X platform (formerly known as Twitter) @paulskrbina.
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This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Kyle Busch dies, Austin Hill will replace NASCAR driver in No. 8 car
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