Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · May 26
Austin Hill Replaces Kyle Busch in RCR's No. 33 at Nashville After 41-Year-Old's Death
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · May 26

Austin Hill Replaces Kyle Busch in RCR's No. 33 at Nashville After 41-Year-Old's Death

6 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · May 26
  • Austin Hill is set for his second straight Cup start as Kyle Busch’s replacement, appearing on Tuesday’s entry list for Richard Childress Racing’s No. 33 at Nashville.
  • Busch, 41, died Thursday after contracting sepsis while battling pneumonia, prompting RCR to renumber his former No. 8 car to No. 33 immediately after his death.
  • Hill finished 27th, one lap down, in the Coca-Cola 600 while filling in for Busch; it was his third Cup start of 2026 after two earlier appearances in the No. 33.
  • RCR has not said who will drive the car for the rest of the season and asked for privacy until Richard Childress holds a news conference on June 6.
  • Hill enters the weekend sixth in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series standings with one win and seven top-10 finishes through 15 races.
With a legend's seat vacant, who will Richard Childress Racing choose as the permanent replacement driver?
Will Kyle Busch's death force a change in NASCAR's culture and how driver health is managed?
Could earlier medical intervention have saved Kyle Busch's life, and what is the lesson for other athletes?