As the NASCAR Cup Series returns to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the first time since Kyle Busch’s passing, Kyle Larson and Hendrick Motorsports have come together to honor the Las Vegas, Nevada-native.
Kyle Larson, or “Tiny Kyle”, as he was affectionately known by Busch, will run a special paint scheme on his No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, which matches the No. 5 Carquest / Kellogg’s Chevrolet that the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion ran during his multi-year tenure with Hendrick Motorsports.
A portion of the royalties actually received from the sale of the Kyle Larson No. 5 HendrickCars.com Kyle Busch Tribute Chevrolet merchandise will support The Samantha & Kyle Busch Bundle of Joy Fund.
“Kyle Busch and I didn’t just share the No. 5. He was someone I really looked up to and one of the greatest competitors I’ve ever shared the track with. To have the opportunity to honor him with this scheme is going to be really special, especially at his home track in Las Vegas. I’m thankful to HendrickCars.com, Samantha Busch and the entire Busch family for allowing us to do this and celebrate what Kyle meant to me and so many others across the sport.”
Las Vegas Motor Speedway, located in Busch’s hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada, is a fitting place for the tribute to happen, considering the NASCAR legend cut his teeth in and around Las Vegas, starting out in Legend Cars and Late Models at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Busch first joined Hendrick Motorsports as a development driver in 2003, and was quickly brought up through the ranks of the organization. He won NASCAR Busch Series Rookie of the Year in 2004 after winning five races and finishing second in point standings.
From 2005 to 2007, Busch made 108 NASCAR Cup Series starts for Hendrick Motorsports with four wins, 51 top-10s and NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year honors in 2005.
Years later, although racing for a different organization, Busch’s connection to Hendrick and HendrickCars.com entered a new chapter, as HendrickCars.com sponsored his limited schedule in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, which, six days before his passing, resulted in a victory at Dover Motor Speedway.
The paint scheme will hit the racetrack at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in October. Coverage of the South Point 400 will take place on Sunday, October 4 at 5:30 PM ET on USA Sports.
