Overview
- Hamlin won the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan on Sunday, June 7, earning his 63rd Cup victory, matching Kyle Busch’s career total while carrying a black No. 18 tribute flag and saying “We love you, KB” over the radio.
- He planned the gesture before Michigan and worked with Richard Childress Racing to borrow the No. 8 font for a custom flag and hat that were cleared for one-time use because of trademark limits.
- Sources confirm that Busch died on May 21 and that a death certificate obtained by reporters identified a chain of events that began with pneumonia and progressed to sepsis as the medical cause of death.
- The win keeps Hamlin second in the Cup standings behind Tyler Reddick and highlights the close ties and rivalry between Hamlin and Busch as Hamlin navigates recent personal losses while competing.
- Richard Childress Racing has paused formal use of the No. 8 and said it will reserve the number for Brexton Busch, and the sport is expected to hold more limited, team-approved tributes rather than commercial merchandise honoring Busch.