Chase Elliott Desperate to Honor Kyle Busch with NASCAR Truck Series Win

What happened?

Chase Elliott is making a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series return this weekend, but it's not in the capacity he ever expected. The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series champion is set to take over the No. 8 JR Motorsports vehicle in a tribute to the late Kyle Busch. Busch won in the truck series just days before his tragic passing in May, emotionally stating, "you never know when your last one will be." The 41-year-old was diagnosed with pneumonia, which developed into sepsis. He died just hours after being admitted to the hospital.

Why it matters for Chase Elliott

Elliott has removed himself from the 2026 Most Popular Driver ballot, something that he's won every year since 2018. He's hoping fans will vote for Busch instead, saying, "I just think it's one of those things that I think Kyle is a guy that really deserves something of an award like that." Elliott added, "I'm not guaranteed the win, so let's make that clear, number one."

What comes next?

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race will be held at a track that Busch was a known fan of. Elliott will be driving the No. 8 JR Motorsports vehicle in a tribute to Busch, who was one of the sport's biggest names. Tributes continue to be paid to him, with Elliott set to take over in the No. 8 JR Motorsports vehicle this weekend. Ahead of the race, Elliott said, "Both that race and the Truck race were meant to be for Kyle. I'd love to go win in honor of him, his career, and the friend he was to me over the years."

Elliott's decision to remove himself from the 2026 Most Popular Driver ballot is a testament to his respect for Busch. By doing so, he's allowing fans to vote for Busch, who was a beloved figure in the NASCAR community. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race will be a fitting tribute to Busch's legacy, and Elliott's determination to win in his honor is a clear indication of his admiration for the late driver.

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race will be a significant event, with Elliott driving the No. 8 JR Motorsports vehicle in a tribute to Busch. The track where the race will be held was a favorite of Busch's, making it an even more meaningful event. Elliott's decision to remove himself from the 2026 Most Popular Driver ballot is a clear indication of his respect for Busch, and his determination to win in his honor is a testament to their friendship.

Elliott's tribute to Busch will be a significant moment in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The event will be a fitting tribute to Busch's legacy, and Elliott's determination to win in his honor is a clear indication of his admiration for the late driver. By driving the No. 8 JR Motorsports vehicle, Elliott will be paying a final tribute to Busch, who was a beloved figure in the NASCAR community.

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race will be held on [date], with Elliott driving the No. 8 JR Motorsports vehicle in a tribute to Busch. The event will be a significant moment in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and Elliott's determination to win in Busch's honor is a testament to their friendship. By removing himself from the 2026 Most Popular Driver ballot, Elliott is allowing fans to vote for Busch, who was a beloved figure in the NASCAR community.

Elliott's tribute to Busch will be a lasting legacy in the NASCAR community. The event will be a fitting tribute to Busch's legacy, and Elliott's determination to win in his honor is a clear indication of his admiration for the late driver. By driving the No. 8 JR Motorsports vehicle, Elliott will be paying a final tribute to Busch, who was a beloved figure in the NASCAR community.

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