Richard Childress on Kyle Busch’s Death and Future Plans

At a Saturday media availability at Michigan International Speedway, Richard Childress, owner of Richard Childress Racing (RCR), spoke publicly for the first time since Kyle Busch’s death on May 21. He said the 2027 contract extension will not be announced, Austin Hill will stay in the No. 33 Chevrolet, and the No. 8 will remain out of competition to honor Busch’s legacy and possibly reserve it for his son, Brexton.

HeavyRichard Childress Has Made a Decision About Kyle Busch’s No. 33 ChevroletESPN

Busch died from severe pneumonia that progressed to sepsis, hemorrhagic shock, and disseminated intravascular coagulation—an outcome reminiscent of the 2001 loss of Dale Earnhardt Sr., another RCR legend. The principal individuals involved are Richard Childress (RCR owner), Kyle Busch (two-time Cup champion with 63 Cup wins, ninth all-time, and 234 total NASCAR wins), Austin Hill (current No. 33 driver), Brexton Busch (Kyle’s 11-year-old son), and Samantha Busch (Kyle’s widow). The NASCAR Hall of Fame recently announced its 2027 class, which includes Busch.

ESPNCharlotte ObserverRichard Childress: ‘I Hadn’t Slept Very Good’ Since Kyle Busch’s Death

Childress expressed deep sorrow for Busch’s family, employees, and fans, noting sleepless nights. He explained that a press conference intended to announce Busch’s 2027 return was canceled. He affirmed that keeping Austin Hill in the No. 33 preserves team continuity, and that the No. 8 will remain “reserved and ready” for Brexton when he is old enough to compete. Childress also urged the NASCAR Hall of Fame to induct Busch immediately, bypassing the usual waiting period.

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RCR’s decision to suspend the No. 8 safeguards Busch’s brand while offering a symbolic path for his son, reinforcing stability during an emotional period. An expedited Hall of Fame induction would cement Busch’s status among NASCAR’s elite and shape future honors for drivers who die while active. The team will continue supporting the Busch family and honoring Kyle’s legacy through race tributes and fan engagement.

Richard Childress Reveals the Announcement He Never Got to Make About Kyle Busch

All sources agree that Busch’s death resulted from pneumonia-related sepsis, hemorrhagic shock, and disseminated intravascular coagulation; no contradictory accounts were identified.

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• “You lose two of the greatest drivers that have ever driven a car in NASCAR, and have to go through it again. I just feel so, so bad for the family and the employees and everybody,” — Richard Childress, RCR Owner

Richard Childress: ‘I Hadn’t Slept Very Good’ Since Kyle Busch’s Death

• “We were going to announce today that Kyle Busch was going to return to RCR in 2027,” — Richard Childress, RCR Owner

Richard Childress Reveals the Announcement He Never Got to Make About Kyle Busch

• “I mean for right now Austin is going to drive as far as we’re concerned the rest of the year. We don’t want to put a burden back on everybody trying to go from one driver to the other one.” — Richard Childress, RCR Owner

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• “He'll be in the Hall of Fame. I'd love to see him put in it right away.” — Richard Childress, RCR Owner

Richard Childress Reflects on Kyle Busch's Legacy in First Public Comments