Sean Gardner/Getty Images
By Kelly Crandall - May 22, 2026, 3:16 PM ET

Richard Childress Racing suspends use of No. 8 in the NASCAR Cup Series

Richard Childress Racing will no longer use the No. 8 in the NASCAR Cup Series going forward.

Following the unexpected passing of Kyle Busch, who had used the number since 2023, the organization will switch to the No. 33 this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway and in the future. But they will continue to reserve the number for Busch’s son, Brexton.

A team statement reads, “Richard Childress Racing has elected to suspend use of the No. 8 and will run the No. 33 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and beyond. Kyle Busch was instrumental in the design of RCR’s stylized No. 8 and it has become synonymous with Kyle and an important symbol for his fans and the NASCAR industry.

“No one can carry it forward to the level that he did. The No. 8 is reserved and ready for Brexton Busch when he is ready to go NASCAR racing.”

Brexton, who recently turned 11, has been making his way up the racing ladder in recent years. Kyle Busch once admitted he had dreamt up a scenario where he and Brexton would race against each other in the Craftsman Truck Series.

Austin Hill will drive the No. 33 with Busch's team this weekend in the Coca-Cola 600.

Childress is sadly familiar with having to make a number change. After Dale Earnhardt's death, the No. 3 was set aside for 13 years before his grandson, Austin Dillon, brought the number back to the Cup Series.