NASCAR Removes Kyle Busch From 2026 Points Standings

What’s Happening?

NASCAR has removed Kyle Busch from the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series points standings following his untimely death last week.

• At the time of his passing, Busch sat 23rd in points, and after Charlotte, he was 27th until today’s decision. Per Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports, NASCAR has taken this move after discussions with RCR, specifically focusing on how some fans may feel after seeing Busch’s name on the points chart.
• While Busch’s name is no longer on the driver standings, the team will retain the points earned in the owners’ championship. The No. 8 team, which switched to No. 33 after Busch’s passing, currently sits 24th in owners’ points.
• Historically, drivers like Dale Earnhardt in 2001 or Kenny Irwin Jr. in 2000 would maintain their points through the remainder of the season after their passing. In 2001, Earnhardt, who passed away after a crash in the Daytona 500, finished 57th in points, while Irwin, who passed away 17 races into the 2000 season, finished 42nd.
• Much like the number change, this move alleviates some of the reminders of Busch from the competitive side of the sport. Nonetheless, the tributes to Busch outside of the stats will continue from track to track throughout the year.

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