The racing world will witness a deeply emotional moment this summer when Kurt Busch takes to the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe in France. The 2004 NASCAR Cup Series champion is planning a special tribute to his late brother, Kyle Busch, who passed away last month at the age of 41 due to complications from pneumonia and sepsis.
According to a spotter's guide for the 2026 Historic Sportscar Racing NASCAR Classic, shared by RACER.com, Kurt will pilot a 2020 Chevrolet Camaro adorned with the No. 8—the number made famous by his younger brother. Originally scheduled to run the No. 1, Kurt made the change to honor Kyle, who won two Cup Series championships and left behind his wife, Samantha, and two children.
The car comes from Kurt's private collection and is powered by a 358ci R07 engine. It's a fitting machine for an event that blends NASCAR heritage with the prestige of Le Mans, a venue Kurt has long dreamed of conquering.
“Having this opportunity to race at Le Mans is a dream come true,” Busch said in a statement. “There are only a few places in the world with the allure, prestige and pageantry of a motorsport venue like Le Mans. I've been fortunate to win the Daytona 500, compete in the Indianapolis 500, tour Nürburgring, experience Fuji Speedway, and now race at Le Mans. The kid racer in me gets to live out another dream.”
The event, scheduled for July 2-5, will see Busch join a field of historic NASCAR machines on one of motorsport's most hallowed tracks. For fans, it's a chance to see a living legend pay homage to a fallen icon in a setting that transcends the sport.
Kyle's sudden death sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community, prompting an outpouring of grief from rivals and teammates alike. Tony Stewart ripped NASCAR fans for hypocrisy in the wake of the tragedy, while Samantha Busch's heartbreaking promise to Kyle before his death offered a glimpse into their private sorrow.
Kurt, who has been open about his grief, recently broke his silence with a heartfelt thank you to NASCAR fans for their support. Now, he's channeling that emotion into a race that promises to be both a celebration of his brother's legacy and a personal milestone.
The Le Mans Classic isn't just another race on the calendar—it's a pilgrimage for motorsport enthusiasts. For Kurt, it's also a chance to carry his brother's memory across the finish line. “The kid racer in me gets to live out another dream,” he said, and with the No. 8 on his door, that dream is shared with the brother who left too soon.
Our thoughts continue to be with Kurt Busch and his family and friends during this difficult time.
