Gibbs to Honor Late Kyle Busch with M&Ms Scheme at Bristol
Ty Gibbs will drive an M&Ms tribute paint scheme honoring the late Kyle Busch at Bristol Motor Speedway. Busch, a two-time Cup champion, won nine Cup races at the track. Gibbs, who won his first Cup race at Bristol earlier this year, sits sixth in the standings.
Gibbs' April victory at Bristol marked the first Cup win of his career, and he has since added a second triumph at Iowa. The 23-year-old currently occupies sixth place in the championship standings, trailing leader Denny Hamlin by 51 points. The tribute scheme was initiated collaboratively by Joe Gibbs Racing, the Busch family, and Mars, the parent company of M&Ms.
Busch's Bristol legacy is substantial, encompassing nine Cup victories, nine Xfinity wins, and five truck triumphs, including two weekend sweeps across all three series. His widow, Samantha, noted the track's special significance to her late husband, particularly the atmosphere of night racing. Gibbs acknowledged the honor while maintaining focus on future competition rather than dwelling on past accomplishments.
This tribute could resonate deeply with NASCAR's fan base, offering a meaningful moment of collective remembrance for a beloved champion whose sudden death shocked the sport. The gesture may strengthen emotional connections between fans, sponsors, and teams, potentially boosting viewership and engagement for the Bristol race. For Gibbs, carrying this scheme could add emotional weight to his performance, though it may also inspire heightened support from Busch's loyal followers. The tribute demonstrates how motorsport communities process loss through shared ritual and symbolism.