Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The NASCAR world is still hurting after the tragic, sudden passing of superstar driver Kyle Busch in May, following a bout with pneumonia.
On Saturday, Busch’s team owner, Richard Childress, spoke with members of the media for the first time since his death and made an interesting announcement about Busch’s plans for 2027.
The two-time Cup Series champion first joined Richard Childress Racing in 2023 and won three times that season. However, in the 2.5 seasons since, Busch was unable to win again, leading to speculation that he may well find a new team for 2027.
Now we know that that was not the case.
Kyle Busch Planned To Re-Sign With Richard Childress Racing For 2027 Season
Childress held a press conference prior to Sunday’s Cup Series race and announced that he had planned to be there to announce an extension with Busch for the 2027 season.
Instead, he was there under far sadder circumstances.
“We had a great conversation, talking about how he said, ‘You give me cars like you’ve gave me the last three weeks,’ he said, ‘I will make the Chase this year,’” Childress recalled. “I mean, we were that confident. Both of us had a lot of confidence in us.”
Childress, who was also the car owner for Dale Earnhardt at the time of his sudden passing following a crash at the 2001 Daytona 500, also revealed that he will not use Busch’s No. 8 on his cars moving forward unless Busch’s son, Brexton, opts to run for the team at some point.
Brexton, 11, is currently one of the top young drivers in the country.
“I think just showing him the respect and trying not to put more pressure on him, just like Dale Earnhardt Jr.,” Childress said when asked what might set up Brexton Busch for success. “I think that he’s got a great future. That kid can drive a race car. Personally and mentally, watching him last Tuesday (during a private memorial) was incredible. He’s just a bright young man and a great little race car driver. He’ll carry the Busch legacy for many years to come.”
Childress also noted that despite Richard Childress Racing holding the rights to the No. 8, he would allow Brexton to run it regardless of what team he races for in the future.