NASCAR has officially removed Kyle Busch from the Cup Series driver standings, marking another emotional milestone for the sport just days after the shocking death of the two-time champion at age 41.
The change quietly appeared on NASCAR’s official standings page ahead of this weekend’s race at Nashville Superspeedway. Busch, who had competed full-time in the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing this season, is no longer listed among active drivers in the championship standings.
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The update comes after days of mourning across the NASCAR world following Busch’s sudden death on May 21 after what his family previously described as a medical emergency.
For many fans, the removal hit hard.
Just a little over a week ago, Busch was still part of the weekly rhythm of the NASCAR season — preparing for another race weekend, battling for points and continuing a career that had already secured his place among the greatest drivers of his generation.
Now, his name is gone from the standings entirely.
Another Emotional Step for NASCAR
While procedural in nature, NASCAR’s decision underscored the difficult reality facing the sport as it continues moving forward without one of its most recognizable stars.
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Busch competed in the opening stretch of the 2026 Cup Series season before his death sent shockwaves throughout the garage area ahead of Coca-Cola 600 weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The Las Vegas native leaves behind one of the most accomplished résumés in NASCAR history.
Busch earned 63 Cup Series victories during his Hall of Fame-caliber career, along with championships in 2015 and 2019. Across NASCAR’s three national touring series, he collected more than 230 victories and became known for his aggressive driving style, outspoken personality and relentless competitiveness.
Even drivers who frequently battled Busch on the track acknowledged the massive void his death created within the sport.
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Since the announcement, tributes have poured in from across NASCAR, with drivers, teams and longtime competitors sharing memories about Busch’s impact both inside and outside the garage.
Richard Childress Racing Moves Forward
The removal from the standings also comes as Richard Childress Racing continues navigating an unimaginable situation internally.
Austin Hill has stepped into Richard Childress Racing’s Chevrolet on an interim basis as the organization continues determining its long-term path forward.
The team has also moved away from Busch’s iconic No. 8, with the car now officially renumbered to No. 33 following his death.
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Busch had been in his fourth season driving for RCR after joining the organization in 2023 following his longtime tenure with Joe Gibbs Racing.
Beyond his accomplishments on the track, Busch was also widely known for his work alongside wife Samantha Busch through the Bundle of Joy Fund, which helped families struggling with infertility and the financial costs associated with IVF treatments.
The couple shared two children together, Brexton and Lennix.
Although Busch’s name no longer appears in NASCAR’s active standings, his legacy within the sport remains permanent.
From his championships and race wins to the intensity he brought every single weekend, Busch helped define an entire era of NASCAR competition — and his absence continues to be deeply felt throughout the garage.
