Richard Childress To Address Media About Kyle Busch's Death

NASCAR icon Richard Childress made Kyle Busch the leader of his Richard Childress Racing team and enjoyed tremendous success with Busch in the No. 8 car.

by Tzvi Machlin

May 27, 2026

TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 13: Richard Childress prepares to drive on track before the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 1000Bulbs.com 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 13, 2019 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NASCAR icon Richard Childress made Kyle Busch the leader of his Richard Childress Racing team and enjoyed tremendous success with Busch in the No. 8 car. While the organization has made multiple statements on Busch's tragic passing since last week, the icon himself now intends to make a statement.

On Tuesday, RCR announced that Childress will speak to the media on Saturday, June 6 at noon at the Michigan International Speedway ahead of the upcoming FireKeepers Casino 400. The organization asked for continued privacy for Busch's friends within the team.

"Richard Childress Racing appreciates the outpouring of love and support. While his impact on RCR is undeniable, Kyle Busch's far-reaching influence transcends the sport and will endure for generations. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, the entire Busch family, the fans and racers who are suffering. Richard Childress will be available to members of the media on Saturday, June 6 at 12 Noon at Michigan International Speedway. We respectfully ask for privacy for the Busch family and everyone at RCR until that time," the team said, via NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass.

Busch and RCR

RCR made a massive splash in 2023 when they signed Busch to replace Tyler Reddick in the No. 8 Chevrolet. It took Busch only two races to secure his first of three race wins for RCR over his four seasons in the seat.

Busch would give RCR some of the team's best performances in recent memory while driving that No. 8 car. Upon his passing, RCR announced that the car would be informally retired and reserved especially for Busch's son Brexton in the event he ever chose to race in NASCAR.

Sep 30, 2023; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (8) speaks to the media at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

Busch passed away last week following an onset of sepsis after a bout of pneumonia. A week prior, he had enjoyed his best finish of the 2026 season - an eighth place run at Watkins Glen.

The team's long-term plans to replace his full-time seat remains to be seen, but the points will be transferred to the No. 33 car, which was run by Austin Hill at Charlotte in the Coca-Cola 600.