One of NASCAR’s most recognizable paint schemes is coming back.
Nearly three weeks after Kyle Busch’s death shocked the racing world, Samantha Busch announced Thursday that the iconic yellow M&M’s colors that became synonymous with his career will return one final time during NASCAR’s playoff race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
The tribute will come on Ty Gibbs’ No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, giving fans one last opportunity to see one of the sport’s most beloved paint schemes back under the lights at a track Kyle Busch dominated throughout his career.
Samantha Busch shares emotional announcement
Samantha Busch revealed the tribute in an emotional social media message, explaining why Bristol was the only place that made sense.
“Bristol was always one of Kyle’s favorite tracks. He loved racing under the lights, found so much success there, and the iconic M&M’S car holds some of the best memories of his career and our life together.
She acknowledged how difficult the weekend will be without him.
“Going back without him will be heartbreaking. He should be there. But I’m so grateful to be able to tell you that those iconic M&M’S colors will be coming back to Bristol, one last time, on the 54 car. It’s a chance to honor him at a place he loved so much, surrounded by our NASCAR family and the fans who loved him too. I know Kyle would want us to be there, to keep showing up, keep racing, and keep carrying his legacy forward.”
She ended the announcement with an invitation to fans.
“We hope you’ll join us at Bristol as we celebrate Kyle, the incredible legacy he left behind, and the love he had for racing that will always be a part of our family.”
Why the tribute carries so much meaning
Few paint schemes became as closely connected to a driver as Busch’s M&M’s Toyota.
The colorful Mars-backed car accompanied Busch through some of the greatest moments of his Hall of Fame career, including race victories, championship runs and countless nights celebrating in Victory Lane. Even after Mars exited NASCAR sponsorship following the 2022 season, the M&M’s scheme remained one of the most recognizable designs in modern stock car racing.
Bristol also represents one of Busch’s signature venues. The half-mile Tennessee short track produced some of his most memorable victories, making it a fitting location for the M&M’s colors to return one final time.
Instead of serving as a throwback, the scheme now becomes something much more meaningful: a celebration of one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers and the legacy he left behind.