SportDraft
Gibbs to pilot tribute livery at Bristol in honour of Busch
Joe Gibbs Racing driver Ty Gibbs will carry the late Kyle Busch’s legacy into the September 19 event, reflecting on a career defined by success at the track.
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Event
Ty Gibbs to drive M&M's car in tribute to Kyle Busch at Bristol
Ty Gibbs will drive a No. 54 Toyota featuring an M&M's mosaic tribute to the late Kyle Busch at the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol on September 19, 2026. The announcement was made by Busch's widow, Samantha, honouring Busch's 22 career wins at the track. Gibbs, currently second in the 2026 Cup standings, succeeded Busch at Joe Gibbs Racing in 2023.
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Background
Why this event matters
Ty Gibbs will pilot the iconic M&M's No. 54 car at the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway to honour Kyle Busch, who passed away in May 2026 at the age of 41. The tribute was announced by Busch’s widow, Samantha, who noted that Bristol is one of Kyle’s favourite tracks. Gibbs, who previously drove for Joe Gibbs Racing, expressed his honour at the opportunity. Busch drove the M&M's car for Joe Gibbs Racing from 2008 to 2022, securing nine Cup Series wins, before moving to Richard Childress Racing in 2023. His death was attributed to severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis.
event-brief
Ty Gibbs to drive M&M's car in tribute to Kyle Busch at Bristol
Ty Gibbs will pilot the iconic M&M's No. 54 car at the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway to honour Kyle Busch, who passed away in May 2026 at the age of 41. The tribute was announced by Busch’s widow, Samantha, who noted that Bristol is one of Kyle’s favou
Reporting trail
Fox Sports | https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nascar/kyle-busch-bristol-tribute-nascar-cup-series | published 2026-08-13T19:05:48.000Z | primary sourceESPN | https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/49601604/ty-gibbs-honor-kyle-busch-drive-mm-car-bristol | published 2026-08-13T19:10:24.000Z | primary source
Fact cards
entity brief
Ty Gibbs to drive M&M's car in tribute to Kyle Busch at Bristol: key people and institutions
Key entities: Ty Gibbs, Kyle Busch, Samantha Busch, Joe Gibbs Racing, Bristol Motor Speedway, Denny Hamlin.
faq brief
Ty Gibbs to drive M&M's car in tribute to Kyle Busch at Bristol: key questions
What is the cause of Kyle Busch's death? Severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis. Which team did Kyle Busch drive for before his illness? Richard Childress Racing. Who announced the tribute at Bristol? Samantha Busch, Kyle Busch's widow. What car number and sponsor will Ty G
source brief
Ty Gibbs to drive M&M's car in tribute to Kyle Busch at Bristol: reporting sources
Fox Sports | https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nascar/kyle-busch-bristol-tribute-nascar-cup-series | published 2026-08-13T19:05:48.000Z | primary source | ESPN | https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/49601604/ty-gibbs-honor-kyle-busch-drive-mm-car-bristol | published 2026
timeline brief
Ty Gibbs to drive M&M's car in tribute to Kyle Busch at Bristol: timeline
2008–2022: Kyle Busch drives the No. 18 M&M's car for Joe Gibbs Racing, achieving nine Cup Series wins. April 2022: Kyle Busch records his final win for Joe Gibbs Racing in the M&M's car at the Bristol dirt track. 2023: Kyle Busch moves to Richard Childress Racing. Spring 2026: K
Timeline
2008–2022
Kyle Busch drives the No. 18 M&M's car for Joe Gibbs Racing, achieving nine Cup Series wins.
April 2022
Kyle Busch records his final win for Joe Gibbs Racing in the M&M's car at the Bristol dirt track.
2023
Kyle Busch moves to Richard Childress Racing.
Spring 2026
Kyle Busch falls ill and is unable to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
21 May 2026
NASCAR announces the death of Kyle Busch, aged 41, due to severe pneumonia and sepsis.
August 2026
Samantha Busch announces that Ty Gibbs will drive the M&M's No. 54 car at Bristol Motor Speedway in tribute.
FAQ
What is the cause of Kyle Busch's death?
Severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis.
Which team did Kyle Busch drive for before his illness?
Richard Childress Racing.
Who announced the tribute at Bristol?
Samantha Busch, Kyle Busch's widow.
What car number and sponsor will Ty Gibbs drive?
The M&M's No. 54 car.
When did Kyle Busch last win at Bristol?
April 2022, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing.