Kyle Busch’s RCR #33 seat up for grabs as Noah Gragson hints at 2027 move

Kyle Busch’s death in May left Richard Childress Racing’s #33 Cup car vacant for 2027, and Noah Gragson just dropped a clue that he’s hunting for that seat.

What happened to Kyle Busch’s RCR #33?

On May 14, 2026, Kyle Busch died unexpectedly, leaving his #8 car renumbered to #33 without a clear 2027 driver. Austin Hill has raced the #33 all season and will keep it in 2026, but RCR hasn’t named a successor. Jesse Love, once in the mix, signed with Wood Brothers for 2027, so the #33 remains wide open.

Why Gragson’s cryptic remark matters for Kyle Busch’s legacy

Noah Gragson’s 2026 season has been rough: a best finish of 9th at the Daytona 500 and 30th in points. But on the Dale Jr. Download podcast this week, he hinted at bigger plans. Asked about a May pit-row dust-up with Kevin Magnussen, Gragson said: “I’m trying to get a job next year.” The seat he’s eyeing? The #33 Kyle Busch once called home.

Who else could land Kyle Busch’s old ride?

Austin Hill, 29, is locked in for 2026 but has no 2027 deal. Hill’s best Cup finish this year is 18th at Pocono on June 8, 2026. RCR’s Austin Dillon, grandson of owner Richard Childress, refused to tip the team’s hand: “I think he’s doing a great job. … I’ll wait and let RCR make that call.” Outside Hill and Gragson, no other names have surfaced for the #33.

What’s next for Kyle Busch’s RCR future?

RCR has stayed silent on the #33’s 2027 plans, even as the season rolls toward the playoffs. Gragson’s contract with Front Row Motorsports expires after 2026, and the #4 car isn’t guaranteed to return. If he lands the #33, it would mark a stunning shift from a struggling season to a top-tier ride.