NASCAR announced that Kyle Busch will be omitted from the official Cup Series point standings for the 2026 season, a move intended to honor the late driver’s legacy while sparing fans the sight of his name in the rankings.
The End of an Era
Busch died last Thursday from complications of severe pneumonia that escalated into sepsis, having been listed 24th in points after his final Cup race at Watkins Glen on May 10.
His last on‑track victory came at Dover on May 15, where he captured his final Craftsman Truck Series win driving the Spire Motorsports No. 7 Chevrolet before his untimely passing.
Replacements on the Track
In the weeks following his death, the No. 33 car was reassigned and Austin Hill took the wheel at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca‑Cola 600, finishing 27th, and will again compete at Nashville this weekend.
Rajah Caruth will pilot the same truck at Nashville, continuing the tribute to Busch’s impact on the series.
A Record of Dominance
Beyond his on‑track achievements, Busch amassed 234 combined wins across NASCAR’s three national series, including 63 Cup victories, 102 in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and 69 in the Truck Series, records that still stand.
He also holds the unique distinction of winning all three series in a single weekend twice, at Bristol in 2010 and 2017, cementing his place as a trailblazer in the sport.
Championship Pedigree
During his tenure with Joe Gibbs Racing from 2008 through 2022, Busch captured two Cup Series championships in 2015 and 2019, and he is the only driver to win at least one Cup race in 19 consecutive seasons, from 2005 through 2023.
NASCAR’s decision was reached after consultation with Richard Childress Racing, the team for which Busch raced in his final Cup outing, to ensure the sport’s response was both respectful and empathetic to fans.