Richard Childress Confirms the No:8 Chevy is Unconditionally Reserved for Kyle Busch’s Son

The NASCAR community was heartbroken when it was announced that two times Cup champion Kyle Busch passed away at the age of 41 after getting hospitalized for severe pneumonia and sepsis. It changed the trajectory of the season for RCR and has forced them to overhaul all the plans they have had with the future of the team.

Hall of Famer Richard Childress sat down with the media and talked about the team’s future after the unexpected passing. One key point he discussed was the team to suspending the use of No:8 and reserving it for the use of Busch’s son Brexton Busch, when he eventually makes his Cup debut.  The legendary team owner confirms that he will let the legends son use the number regardless of whichever team he races for.

Richard Childress clarified the stylized 8 will be saved for Brexton Busch whenever he’s ready to race in NASCAR, no matter the team: “…if he calls us up and says hey, I’m going to go race for Rick Hendrick…”

Jonathan Fjeld reported via X.

Richard Childress clarified the stylized 8 will be saved for Brexton Busch whenever he's ready to race in NASCAR, no matter the team: "…if he calls us up and says hey, I'm going to go race for Rick Hendrick…"

Childress praised Brexton and said he reminds him of Dale Jr.

— Jonathan Fjeld (@Jonathan_Fjeld) June 6, 2026

Later talking in the same conversation, the Richard Childress recalled the conversation he has about the plans Kyle Busch had for his son over the years. The veteran team owner is heartbroken over the fact that the late legend would never be able to see his now teenager son potential growing into a NASCAR championship worthy racer.

Talking to Kyle at different times, knowing his plans and what he had in the future for Brexton and his family. The many things that we all could have done together, that was probably the toughest part of this whole thing.

Richard Childress asserted.

Richard Childress made a heartbreaking announcement about Kyle Busch

In the same media session, the legendary figure talked about that how challenging it has been for him to be part a similar situation the second time in his career as an owner. In 2001 the RCR crew went through similar sleepless nights when Dale Earnhardt Sr. died.

You lose two of the greatest drivers that’s ever driven a car in NASCAR and to have to go through it again. I just feel so bad for the family and the employees and everybody. But yeah, I mean, I haven’t slept very good lately.

Richard Childress said.

The veteran later revealed that if Kyle Busch was alive his one-year contract extension with RCR would have been announced ahead of the Michigan race. He had regained confidence in the No:8 team and was ready to fight to make it into the last-16 for the chase.

Today, we were going to be in here, Kyle was going to be with me and we were going to announce that he was coming back in 2027 and drive for RCR… He  (Kyle Busch) said, ‘You give me cars like you gave me the last three weeks, I will make The Chase this year,’…We were that confident.

Richard Childress added.

The comments from the veteran racer are on point and shows how the tragic death might’ve sent back RCR weeks regarding a potential redemption. It would be interesting to see how everything is going to playout for the team in the coming races of the season.

Also Read: Richard Childress Demands Kyle Busch’s Immediate Induction into NASCAR Hall of Fame