NASCAR legend Kyle Busch’s unexpected passing from an abrupt illness in May was one of the darkest moments in recent NASCAR history.
As the season has pushed through the summer portion of the schedule and into the latter half of the year, there has been no shortage of tributes to the NASCAR legend.
These tributes have ranged from small decals on cars to recreations of Busch’s iconic celebration and even a few paint schemes. But later this season, Joe Gibbs Racing and Mars are joining forces to take these tributes a step further.
On Thursday, Busch’s widow, Samantha, shared a video on her social media announcing that Joe Gibbs Racing driver Ty Gibbs is bringing Kyle’s long-time sponsor M&M’s back to NASCAR at the 2026 Bristol night race.
M&M’s and several other brands owned by Mars Incorporated sponsored Busch from his first season at JGR in 2008 until his final season in 2022.
While the sponsorship is a fitting enough tribute, the location is even more special, as during his run with JGR, Busch won eight NASCAR Cup Series races at Bristol, including his final with JGR and M&M’s during the 2022 season.
In the video announcing the partnership, Samantha said:
“Seeing Mars and Joe Gibbs Racing come together to honor Kyle this way is incredibly emotional for me. The M&M’s car holds so many memories from our life together, and seeing it back on the track, knowing Kyle won’t be the one behind the wheel, is going to be both heartbreaking and beautiful all at once.”
While Busch did not win at Bristol after his tenure with JGR ended, his former team, the current No. 54 driven by Gibbs, returned to victory lane at the track earlier this season, the young driver’s first-ever Cup Series win.
The 2026 Bristol night race, the third race of the 2026 Chase, is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM ET on September 19, airing live on USA.
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