Kyle Larson Is Bringing Kyle Busch’s Legendary No. 5 Back to Life at Las Vegas
There may not be a better way to honor Kyle Busch than this.Kyle Larson is set to run a tribute scheme at Las Vegas Motor Speedway modeled after Busch’s iconic Kellogg’s No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet.
And yes, it is every bit as cool as it sounds.
Busch’s connection to Las Vegas makes the tribute even more meaningful.
Las Vegas was his hometown track. Busch grew up in the area and built an extraordinary résumé there, including wins across NASCAR’s top three national series. He eventually became the first driver to win at Las Vegas in all three major series.
Now Larson will bring a version of Busch’s old Hendrick look back to the track.
That is pretty damn special.
Busch’s time in the No. 5 was brief compared with his legendary Joe Gibbs Racing tenure. Still, those Hendrick years helped launch one of NASCAR’s most recognizable careers.
The tribute also fits Larson.
Few current drivers understand NASCAR history quite like he does. Larson has repeatedly embraced the sport’s past through throwbacks and tributes.
This one hits differently.
Because Busch was not simply another former driver.
He was Kyle Busch.
And Las Vegas was his place.
Then Bristol Gets Even Better
The tributes do not stop in Nevada.At Bristol Motor Speedway, Ty Gibbs will drive the No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in an iconic M&M’s scheme honoring Busch. Mars is returning to the organization for the Bristol Night Race after sponsoring Busch for 15 seasons at Joe Gibbs Racing.
And there may not be a more appropriate track for it.
Busch won eight Cup races at Bristol. His success there became part of the track’s modern identity. He also completed two Bristol weekend sweeps during his career.
So now we have Larson honoring Busch at his hometown track.
Then Gibbs honoring him at one of his greatest tracks.
That is how you remember a racer.
Not with a ceremony nobody watches.
Put the paint schemes on the cars.
Put them on the track.
Let the engines fire.
Let the fans see the colors again.
For NASCAR fans who grew up watching Busch turn the No. 18 M&M’s Toyota into one of the sport’s most recognizable cars, these tributes are going to hit hard.
And honestly?
This is exactly how it should be.
