The teaser for the NASCAR 26 game has just come out, and fans are far from happy. By looking at the cover of the game, where the makers put Kyle Larson, the fans complained that they did not do justice to Kyle Busch, who passed away, unfortunately, last month.

The NASCAR 26, developed by iRacing, will officially release in September 2026, but months before that, they released that cover photo. In it, the two-time and defending Cup Series champion is on the poster. They hosted an event on USS Midway in San Diego and confirmed the release.

Fans can play the game on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. As per reports, the new version will have updates such as fully implemented burnouts and victory celebrations, and feature the newly selected San Diego Street Circuit.

Fans voiced concern over the cover selection, saying it did not reflect respect for Busch and instead showcased Larson. They added that Busch’s unexpected passing last month at 41 and his accomplishments made him a deserving figure for recognition.

Although it is understandable why Larson is important for the cover, given that he is one of the most followed drivers and the defending champion, fans could not help but root for Busch, especially after his untimely death.

Fans root for Kyle Busch amid Kyle Larson’s cover

Busch remains the winningest driver in NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series history (102 wins) as well as the Craftsman Truck Series (69 wins).

So, a fan is disappointed about Busch not featuring on the cover, but looks forward to seeing him in the game.

Taking to his official X account, a fan wrote, "I wish Kyle Busch were on the cover. But hopefully, he is in the game. He should be."

Before the cover, fans were already upset with NASCAR officially removing Busch from the 2026 Cup Series points standings.

"Put Kyle Busch in the game or I buy and immediately REFUND SCAM you to make you go bankrupt," another furious fan wrote, over the exclusion of Kyle Busch.

Another fan questions whether the decision was made informing the Busch family.

"I'm not sure if the Busch family was approached regarding the approval of him being on Cover, if they rejected the idea then cool, if not, then he was robbed," he wrote, sharing his disagreement with the decision.

An upset fan hinted at how cover decisions are driven more by short-term popularity and media momentum than by broader achievements.

"I feel like most sports titles do whoever was hot in the public eye over the last year (the playoffs didn’t do much for him in terms of that, just due to the format)," wrote another fan, pointing out how Larson is important for business.

Kyle Busch breathed his last on May 21 after suffering from pneumonia, which soon turned into sepsis. At the time of his demise, he was 41 and left behind his family, his wife, Samantha Busch, and two kids, Brexton and Lennix Busch.

What do you think of Busch not featuring on the NASCAR 26 cover? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at Daytona Racing Digest.

Written by

Sabyasachi Biswas

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar