NASCAR announced that it will erase Kyle Busch from the 2026 Cup Series point standings, a rare tribute that comes just weeks after the driver’s death.
A Sudden Loss
Kyle Busch, a two‑time champion and 41‑year‑old father of two, died from complications of pneumonia that progressed into sepsis. He had been tied for 23rd in the standings with two top‑10 finishes and had accumulated 217 points this season.
A New Chapter
Austin Hill, who has been competing for Richard Childress Racing, will take over the No. 33 Chevrolet that Busch had been slated to drive, beginning with the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway. The race will be streamed live on Amazon Prime Video on May 31.
A Historic Moment
The move marks the first time an active full‑time Cup Series driver has died since Dale Earnhardt in 2001, underscoring the profound impact of Busch’s loss on the sport and its fans.