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The Indianapolis 500 will feature a poignant tribute to the late NASCAR icon Kyle Busch, as Romain Grosjean’s No. 18 Honda, competing in the 110th running of the iconic race, will bear significant markings in honor of the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. Busch, who tragically passed away at the age of 41, had long harbored a dream of competing in the Indianapolis 500, a goal that unfortunately never materialized.
Busch’s aspirations for an Indy 500 attempt were well-documented. Negotiations for a potential entry with Andretti Autosport in 2017 and more recently with McLaren had been explored, underscoring his persistent desire to cross-pollinate his legendary NASCAR career with the challenges of the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." The sudden loss of the 41-year-old driver has sent ripples of grief throughout the motorsport community, prompting widespread tributes to the man affectionately known as "Rowdy."
Dale Coyne Racing, the team fielding Grosjean’s effort, has joined this wave of remembrance by aligning its No. 18 IndyCar with Busch’s most prominent NASCAR number. From 2008 through the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season, Busch drove the No. 18 for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), a period during which he secured 56 of his remarkable 63 Cup Series victories. In a meticulous effort to capture the essence of Busch’s legacy, Coyne Racing has meticulously recreated the font style used by Busch on his JGR entries for Grosjean’s 2026 Indy 500 challenger. This precise detail was confirmed by Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern, who noted the collaborative assistance provided by FOX Sports and Joe Gibbs Racing in achieving an accurate representation of the font.
The genesis of this specific tribute can be attributed to IndyCar on FOX commentator and former racer Townsend Bell. Bell, who shares a personal connection with Busch, having been co-drivers in the 2020 Rolex 24 at Daytona, was the initial proponent of this commemorative gesture. Bell expressed his gratitude on social media, stating, "Thanks to Dale Coyne Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing for making it happen. I’m still struggling to process this tragedy. Kyle Busch was a teammate. He couldn’t have been more generous when my son first arrived in Charlotte. He was a friend and I got to see his true character."
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Romain Grosjean, a seasoned driver with 181 Formula 1 starts to his name, is making his fourth appearance at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Grosjean qualified 24th for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 in the No. 18 DCR Honda. His objective is to surpass his personal best finish at the Brickyard, which stands at 19th place achieved in 2024. After sitting out last year’s event, Grosjean is competing full-time in the IndyCar Series this season. Notably, the No. 18, despite its storied association with Busch, has never secured a victory in the history of the Indianapolis 500.
Furthering the collective acknowledgment of Busch’s impact, Chip Ganassi Racing has also implemented a tribute. On race morning, the No. 8 on Kyffin Simpson’s pit box was altered, honoring the number Busch ran during the latter stages of his illustrious NASCAR career.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar organization have consistently recognized Busch’s contributions since his passing on Thursday. A prominent tribute was displayed on the frontstretch scoring pylon. Busch’s connection to Indianapolis Motor Speedway extends beyond his NASCAR endeavors; he is a two-time winner of NASCAR’s Brickyard 400, achieving consecutive victories in 2015 and 2016.
Numerous teams participating in the Indy 500 have adorned their cars with decals commemorating Busch. Additionally, the 18th lap of the race will be marked with a special tribute dedicated to the beloved driver. These multifaceted gestures underscore the profound respect and admiration that Kyle Busch commanded across different disciplines of motorsport. His dream of competing at Indianapolis, though unfulfilled, has been honored in a manner that reflects his indelible legacy within the sport.
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