In a moving show of cross-series respect, Dale Coyne Racing (DCR) will pay tribute to the late NASCAR icon Kyle Busch by running the No. 18 car in his signature font at this year's Indianapolis 500. The gesture, first reported by Adam Stern of the Sports Business Journal, sees Romain Grosjean's entry adorned with the same stylized numerals that Busch made famous during his storied tenure at Joe Gibbs Racing.
Busch, who passed away this week at the age of 41, never had the chance to compete in the Indy 500 despite expressing interest in doing so. The tribute allows his spirit to finally grace the Brickyard, as DCR has run the No. 18 for nearly two decades. The team's decision to adopt Busch's font has resonated deeply with fans across motorsports.
"@DaleCoyneRacing will run its No. 18 car in tomorrow's Indy 500 with the same font that Kyle Busch used for years @JoeGibbsRacing to pay respect to the NASCAR legend," Stern wrote on social media, sparking an outpouring of support.
Fans quickly took to social media to applaud the move. "Great way to pay tribute to Busch well done in everyone getting involved in making it happen," one user wrote. Another added, "That's a pretty awesome and surprising tribute. Damn!" Others noted the unity it represents: "This is awesome 🔥 love when motorsports comes together like this."
The tribute comes amid a week of remembrance for Busch, whose death from pneumonia-related sepsis cut short a career that ranks among the greatest in NASCAR history. The Busch family revealed pneumonia led to sepsis in his passing, a detail that has deepened the sense of loss. Meanwhile, Richard Childress Racing has retired the No. 8 car in his honor, and reserved it for his son Brexton in a poignant move.
For many, seeing the No. 18 at Indianapolis is a dream fulfilled. "Somehow someway, Kyle is finally running the Indianapolis 500 like he's always wanted," one fan remarked. The sentiment echoes the broader motorsport community's desire to honor a driver who achieved nearly everything in American racing, from Cup Series championships to countless wins.
The Indy 500, one of the most prestigious races in the world, has long been a bucket-list event for NASCAR drivers. While Busch never got the opportunity, DCR's gesture ensures his legacy will be part of the action. Grosjean, a former Formula 1 driver, will pilot the No. 18 car, and fans are already rallying behind it.
"I know it's all about the #8—and rightfully so—but I needed to see more #18 this weekend. This is great. This will always be KFB to me," another fan posted. The tribute also draws attention to the broader response from the racing world, including Danica Patrick reflecting on Busch's shocking death and calls from figures like Brad Keselowski for immediate Hall of Fame induction.
As the green flag drops on Sunday, the No. 18 car will carry more than just a number—it will carry the memory of a driver who left an indelible mark on motorsports. For DCR and fans alike, it's a fitting tribute to a legend who never stopped chasing greatness.
