Richard Childress Racing announced that it will suspend the use of the No.8 following the death of Kyle Busch.

The team posted to social media, “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,” the team explained. “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.”

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…

— RCR (@RCRracing) May 22, 2026

The announcement comes in the wake of Kyle Busch’s death. NASCAR announced it at 5:40 PM ET on Thursday, May 21st. It wrote, “We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport’s greatest and fiercest drivers. He was 41 years old.”

“We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community,” NASCAR concluded.

We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport’s greatest and fiercest drivers. He was 41 years old.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire… pic.twitter.com/FARIF6OKrw

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 21, 2026

The announcement came just hours after Busch’s family shared that he had been hospitalized after experiencing a severe illness. His family posted, “Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization. He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation.”

Statement Regarding Kyle Busch from the Busch Family:

“Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization. He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We ask for…

— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) May 21, 2026

RCR had previously announced that Austin Hill would replace Busch in the Cup car for the Coca-Cola 600, “We’re thankful to Austin Hill for stepping in to drive the No. 8 Chevrolet this weekend.”

Kyle Busch’s health is our upmost priority and he and his family have the full resources of RCR behind them. Kyle is an integral part of our organization and we wish him a safe and speedy recovery. His No. 8 Chevrolet will be ready and waiting for him. We’re thankful to Austin…

— RCR (@RCRracing) May 21, 2026

NEXT: 911 Audio Reveals Kyle Busch Was Coughing Up Blood Before Paramedics Transported Him To A Hospital