Richard Childress addressed us in the media center at Michigan International Speedway on Saturday afternoon. The first thing Richard did was thank the media for the support shown to the Busch family and those at RCR. He said that today’s announcement was planned ahead of time and was supposed to be that Kyle Busch would return to the Richard Childress Racing No. 8 Chevrolet in 2027 with a contract extension.

Richard Childress was asked about Austin Hill remaining in the 33 car. “Right now, we are looking at the rest of the season.” He added that the sponsors have been highly supportive, mirroring the outpouring of support following the loss of Dale Earnhardt in 2001.

You could tell that Richard was still deeply mourning the loss of Busch. He was asked about Brexton Busch. “We have the stylized number registered or patented, or however they do it, and we’ll save it for Brexton if he ever comes and says, ‘Hey, I wanna go drive for Rick Hendrick, I wanna use that 8.” That’s why I wanted to say we’re saving it that stylized 8 for him if he wants to run it.”

Image Credit: Julian Wayne/ SFM