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While Kyle Busch was a legend in the NASCAR ranks, he was incredibly respected throughout the motorsports world.
That’s why one of Busch’s NASCAR numbers — the one I’d argue is the most iconic — will appear in the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500.
Busch had a variety of numbers across NASCAR’s three national series, but in the Cup Series he used the No. 5, No. 18 and No. 8.
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Kyle Busch used the No. 18 during his years with Joe Gibbs Racing. (Isaac Brekken/AP)
For many fans, the No. 18 is the number they associate with Busch, as he wore it for 15 years, including in both of his championship seasons.
NASCAR, RACING WORLD REACTS TO KYLE BUSCH’S SHOCKING DEATH AT 41: ‘CAN’T UNDERSTAND THIS NEWS’
You can close your eyes and imagine it next to the legendary M&M’s paint schemes.
Well, Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern shared that Dale Coyne Racing, which runs the No. 18 Honda driven by Romain Grosjean, will feature the classic No. 18 used on Busch’s car during his time with Joe Gibbs Racing in the Cup Series.
How about that tribute?
Of course, the numbers are typically trademarked, so as Stern reported, the idea — which came from Fox Sports IndyCar commentator Townsend Bell — required getting in touch with Joe Gibbs Racing.
Busch never raced in the Indy 500 or in the IndyCar Series; however, he had great success at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in NASCAR.
NASCAR star Kyle Busch died on Thursday aged just 41. (James Gilbert/Getty Images)
His brother, retired NASCAR driver and former Cup Series champion Kurt Busch, attempted double duty by competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day in 2014.
It’s one heck of a tribute from the folks at Dale Coyne Racing with an assist from JGR.
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And while I don’t want to play favorites, wouldn’t it be nice to see the No. 18 in Victory Lane?
Grosjean will start Sunday’s race 24th, meaning he has some ground to make up, but anything can happen in the Indy 500.
