SouthernWorldwide.com – In a touching tribute to a beloved figure in motorsports, Kyle Busch’s iconic No. 18 will be featured in the upcoming Indianapolis 500.
While Kyle Busch carved out a legendary career in NASCAR, his respect and influence extended far beyond the stock car racing world.
This profound admiration is precisely why one of Busch’s most recognizable NASCAR numbers will grace the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
Throughout his time in NASCAR’s three national series, Busch utilized several car numbers, including the No. 5, No. 18, and No. 8 in the Cup Series.
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However, for a vast majority of fans, the No. 18 is inextricably linked to Busch. He drove this number for 15 seasons, a period that included both of his championship victories.
The distinctive No. 18 evokes vivid memories for many, particularly its association with the legendary M&M’s paint schemes that adorned his cars.
Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern reported that Dale Coyne Racing, currently fielding the No. 18 Honda driven by Romain Grosjean, will prominently display the classic No. 18 that was synonymous with Busch during his tenure with Joe Gibbs Racing in the Cup Series.
This gesture serves as a heartfelt tribute to the late driver.
Car numbers are typically trademarked, and as Stern’s report indicated, this tribute was made possible through coordination with Joe Gibbs Racing, a concept that originated from Fox Sports IndyCar commentator Townsend Bell.
Although Busch never competed in the Indy 500 or the IndyCar Series, he achieved significant success at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in NASCAR events.
His brother, retired NASCAR driver and former Cup Series champion Kurt Busch, famously attempted the challenging “double duty” in 2014, competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.
This tribute from Dale Coyne Racing, with the crucial support of JGR, is a remarkable acknowledgment of Busch’s legacy.
While it’s natural to avoid playing favorites, the narrative would be incredibly compelling if that No. 18 were to find its way to Victory Lane on Sunday.
Grosjean is set to start the race from 24th position, indicating he has a significant amount of ground to cover. However, the unpredictable nature of the Indy 500 means that anything is possible.
