The Charlotte 600, the longest race on the NASCAR calendar held this Sunday (24) at Charlotte Motor Speedway, began with tributes to Kyle Busch, a driver who died last Thursday, victim of pneumonia at 41 years old. The race is the first since the passing of the two-time champion of the category.
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The grass on the Charlotte circuit has the number 8, used by the two-time champion, and Kyle Busch’s signature painted for this Sunday’s race. Beforehand, the seat reserved for the driver who represented Richard Childress this season was kept reserved and bore the competitor’s name.
Moments before the race started, a minute of silence was observed in memory of the driver. Additionally, on the eighth lap of the race, the broadcast paused the commentary and the audience present applauded and made the number 8 sign with their hands.
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Earlier, during the Indianapolis 500, the most important race of Indy, the audience at Indianapolis Motor Speedway paid a similar tribute to the two-time NASCAR champion, but on lap 18. It was with this number that Kyle Busch won his two Cup Series titles.
The number 8 will no longer be used by Richard Childress in NASCAR, being reserved for Kyle Busch’s son, Brexton, who is currently 11 years old. The car is competing in the Charlotte race, but with the number 33, driven by Austin Hill.
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