Richard Childress Racing announced it will temporarily retire Kyle Busch’s No. 8 Cup Series car following the driver’s unexpected death on Thursday. The team will field the No. 33 entry at the Coca‑Cola 600 on Sunday, with Austin Hill stepping into the seat for the remainder of the season. The move preserves the iconic number for Busch’s son and signals respect for his fan base.

Brexton Busch, now 11, has been groomed on dirt ovals since age five, collecting 48 wins and 107 top‑five finishes across multiple classes in 2024. He captured the Tulsa Shootout Jr. Sprint Championship last year, earning his first Golden Driller trophy. Sponsors eye his future as a marketable star. RCR’s statement emphasized the No. 8 is “reserved and ready” for him when he reaches NASCAR competition.

With Hill filling Busch’s seat, RCR maintains a full‑time entry while honoring a driver who won two Cup titles. The temporary renumbering sidesteps a mid‑season branding shift and gives the organization time to plan a seamless transition for Brexton Busch. Fans anticipate seeing the Busch legacy continue on track.