Weeks after Kyle Busch’s untimely death, special tributes continue to pour in for the late two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. The Cook Out Summer Shootout has now joined the list. 

At the recently held master's division race for the Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway, before the event kicked off, there was a special segment to honor the winningest NASCAR driver. His father, Tom Busch, took over the No. 51 Legend car that was previously driven by Kyle. 

Tom Busch led the ceremonial missing man formation as a part of the memorial ceremony and took a lap around the circuit on his own. While his grandfather drove the car, Brexton Busch stood in the flag stand waving the green flag and double checkered flag for him. All while Kurt Busch sat in the stands cheering. Brexton was also the honorary starter in the masters division.

Kyle Busch had made his Legends car debut back in 1998 at the age of 13. In three years, he won 65 events and two track championships at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. And in 2025, he made a return to the series in an effort to race alongside his son, Brexton.

After his return to the series over two decades later, Busch won seven out of the ten races in the Master's division of the Summer Shootout. Brexton continues to compete in the series this year. He finished the race in sixth place in the Young Lions division. 

While Brexton is still making a name for himself at the grassroots level, the RCR team boss has plans for the 11-year-old for when he is ready to enter NASCAR. 

Richard Childress Willing to Give Up Kyle Busch's No. 8 if Brexton Heads to Rival Camp

Over the years, the stylized No. 8 that Kyle Busch used will forever be associated with him. After his passing, when RCR decided to retire the number, it did not come as a surprise. But they are willing to give the number to Brexton for when he is ready to join NASCAR. 

During his media availability, Richard Childress was questioned about the importance of preserving the number 8. He spoke about Rowdy’s contribution in designing the number. 

“Kyle designed that style 8 car, and it’s not to ever put any pressure on him (Brexton Busch) to run the 8, but it’s there for him. We have the stylized number registered or patented, or however they do it.” 

He further added that RCR isn't gatekeeping the number. Even if Brexton chose a different team to drive for, he was ready to let him have the number.

“And we saved it for Brexton if he ever comes and says, ‘Hey, I’m going to go drive for Rick Hendricks. I want to use that 8.’ That’s what I was saying. We’re saving it that stylized for him for his future if he wants to run it.” 

As of now, Brexton has been building his career at the grassroots level. Last year, he won the Tulsa Shootout Jr. Sprint Championship to win his maiden Golden Driller.

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Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Yash Kotak