Romain Grosjean will compete in the Milhas 500 of Indianápolis with a special detail on car number 18. The Dale Coyne Racing team decided to change the graphics of the number to reproduce the style used by Kyle Busch during his years in NASCAR. The French driver takes to the track this Sunday, May 24, 2026, in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The decision came after the death of Kyle Busch last Thursday, at the age of 41. The two-time NASCAR champion Cup Series passed away due to sepsis caused by pneumonia. The change to the car’s appearance was made after Carb Day, the last free practice session before the race.
Mudança in number 18 design
Number 18 accompanied Kyle Busch for 14 seasons on Joe Gibbs Racing. Nesse period, he has achieved 56 of 63 Cup Series victories with this number. Dale Coyne Racing reproduced the exact same font style for Grosjean’s car.
The idea came from Townsend Bell, FOX commentator Sports. Joe Gibbs Racing helped ensure that the graphics remained faithful to the original. The change was implemented quickly after Carb Day. Grosjean runs the 2026 IndyCar season with the number 18 for Dale Coyne Racing.
- The tribute uses the same number 18 that Kyle Busch drove from 2008 to 2022 in NASCAR
- The source was replicated with the help of the Joe Gibbs Racing team
- The change occurred after the final training session before the Indy 500
- Outras tributes have already taken place in the circuit’s position tower
- NASCAR prepares parallel tributes in the 600 Milhas of Charlotte
Reações in the world of motorsport
The IndyCar paddock welcomed the initiative with excitement. Grosjean, who has a history of overcoming obstacles after a serious accident in Fórmula 1, shows respect for Busch’s career. The Frenchman is competing in his fifth full season in the category with Dale Coyne Racing.
Indy already paid tribute to Busch on Thursday, with mentions in the position tower. Most of the tributes, however, should take place in Charlotte, in the NASCAR race scheduled for the same Sunday. Richard Childress Racing, the team that Busch has defended in recent years, has reserved the number 8 for his son Brexton Busch in the future.
Race Schedule Detalhes
The ceremony for the 110th edition of the 500 Milhas starts at 1pm local time. The drivers prepare to get into their cars at around 1:30 p.m. The green flag is scheduled for 1:45 pm on the 2.5-mile oval.
Grosjean completed qualifying training and Carb Day without any problems. Dale Coyne Racing car number 18 uses Honda engine. The team is looking for a good result in the most traditional event in American motorsport.
Contexto from Kyle Busch’s career
Kyle Busch was known as one of the most successful drivers in NASCAR history. Ele added titles in 2004 and 2015 at Cup Series, in addition to records in the access categories. Sua sudden death shocked the sport.
The pilot left behind his wife Samantha and children Brexton and Lennix. Brother Kurt Busch and parents also survived. Diversos names from motorsport have expressed solidarity in the last few hours. The Grosjean tribute gains even more weight by uniting two different motorsport categories.
The special graphics should appear in photos and broadcasts throughout the afternoon. Equipes and riders must make other gestures during the race. The race brings together 33 cars on the traditional Indianapolis Motor Speedway grid.
What to expect from the test
The Indy 500 requires precise strategy because of the 200 laps around the oval. Grosjean has experience in the circuit and knows the requirements of Dale Coyne Racing. The team works to position car 18 among the first placed.
Pilotos and teams prepare final adjustments in the pits. The weather in Indianápolis often influences the cars’ performance. The organization confirmed that the race continues on schedule despite the tributes.
The broadcast should show Grosjean’s car prominently because of the tribute. The public follows both the competition on the track and the emotional moments throughout the day.
Legado that crosses borders
The connection between NASCAR and IndyCar gains a special chapter this Sunday. The stylized number 18 represents more than a design. Ele symbolizes recognition of a remarkable career in American motorsport.
Grosjean remains focused on preparation. The French driver respects the legacy of Busch and values the opportunity to race in Indianápolis. Dale Coyne Racing demonstrates unity by promoting the tribute in a discreet and elegant way.
Motorsport is experiencing a day of competition and memory. The green flag will wave, but the paddock carries the memory of Kyle Busch in the opening laps of the race.
