Joe Gibbs pays tribute to Kyle Busch in shocking twist, honoring his legacy in a way that caught many off guard. After their controversial split, Joe Gibbs Racing assigned William Sawalich to drive the iconic No. 18 Toyota in the Xfinity Series. The tribute includes a throwback paint scheme inspired by Busch’s 2016 victories, sparking curiosity among NASCAR fans. With Sawalich’s early challenges, the question remains—can he live up to the legacy left behind by Busch?
Key Highlights
- Joe Gibbs Racing honored Kyle Busch by assigning William Sawalich to drive the iconic No. 18 Toyota, associated with Busch’s success.
- The tribute featured a throwback paint scheme inspired by Busch’s 2016 Xfinity Series car, evoking nostalgia among fans.
- The tribute surprised fans due to Busch’s active status and the previous financial tensions leading to his departure from JGR.
- Fans appreciated the design’s balance of tradition and modernity, despite the unconventional timing of honoring an active driver.
- Sawalich’s early challenges in the Xfinity Series raised questions about his readiness to uphold Busch’s legacy.
Kyle Busch’s Legacy at Joe Gibbs Racing
Kyle Busch’s tenure at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) embodies a legacy of dominance and achievement that few can parallel in the NASCAR Cup Series. With 60 of his 63 career victories and two championships secured under JGR’s banner, Busch’s impact on the team and the sport is undeniable. His skill on the track translated into consistent performances that shaped JGR’s competitive edge.
However, the dissolution of his partnership with JGR revealed underlying tensions, primarily financial, following the loss of key sponsor M&M’s and Mars, Inc. Busch’s subsequent comments, particularly his assertion that JGR did not exert sufficient effort in retaining him, highlight the complexity of their split.
Despite this, Busch’s era with JGR remains a benchmark in NASCAR history. His struggle at Richard Childress Racing (RCR), marked by a winless 2024, further accentuates the significance of his JGR years in his storied career.
JGR Honors Kyle Busch Through William Sawalich
Despite the complexities surrounding Kyle Busch’s departure from Joe Gibbs Racing, the team’s latest move indicates a subtle acknowledgment of his past contributions.
Joe Gibbs Racing has chosen to honor Busch through William Sawalich, their new Xfinity Series driver, who now helms the No. 18 Toyota—a number synonymous with Busch.
- ARCA Success: Sawalich, a two-time ARCA Menards Series East champion, boasts 18 wins across all ARCA divisions, showcasing his potential.
- Iconic Tribute: In a nod to Busch’s 2016 Xfinity season, where he clinched 10 victories, Sawalich’s car will sport a throwback scheme inspired by that dominant period.
- Official Announcement: JGR confirmed the tribute with an announcement that playfully acknowledged the familiar design.
- Legacy Continuation: This homage not only recognizes Busch’s legacy but also raises questions about whether Sawalich has earned the privilege to carry such an iconic design, sparking discussions among NASCAR enthusiasts.
“We’ve seen this look before 👀@WilliamSawalich is bringing back @KyleBusch ’s dominant 10-win 2016 scheme next weekend at @TooToughToTame. Featuring a retro @starkeyhearing logo on the hood, the No. 18 will highlight Starkey’s 57 years of hearing innovation.” – JGR
We’ve seen this look before 👀 @WilliamSawalich is bringing back @KyleBusch’s dominant 10-win 2016 scheme next weekend at @TooToughToTame. Featuring a retro @starkeyhearing logo on the hood, the No. 18 will highlight Starkey’s 57 years of hearing innovation.@NASCAR_Xfinity… pic.twitter.com/e7eF19eQjK
— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) March 26, 2025
William Sawalich’s Rocky Start in Xfinity
The early stages of William Sawalich’s expedition in the Xfinity Series have been marked by a mix of challenging setbacks and promising insights of potential.
Despite his impressive credentials, Sawalich has faced hurdles, especially at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway where his No. 18 Toyota got loose in the opening lap, causing a multi-car accident. A similar incident at Daytona resulted in a disappointing 28th-place finish, highlighting the challenges of adapting to the series’ demands.
However, Sawalich’s performance at the Atlanta Motor Speedway offered a glimpse into his burgeoning skills, securing a top-10 finish and demonstrating improved racecraft.
Sawalich himself acknowledged the learning curve, stating, “I learned a lot about how to stay in the draft and how to manage your position and runs.”
“We had a good Soundgear GR Supra today. We had some speed — not so much in the first and second stage, but brought it together for the third stage and we had good pit stops and did the little things right today.” – William Sawalich
While Joe Gibbs has expressed optimism about Sawalich’s potential, some fans remain skeptical about his readiness to drive a car honoring Kyle Busch’s legacy.
Fans React to the Throwback Scheme
As William Sawalich navigates the complexities of the Xfinity Series, the spotlight shifts to the broader NASCAR community’s response to a unique tribute. The throwback scheme honoring Kyle Busch has ignited a spectrum of reactions among fans, reflecting diverse perspectives on the gesture’s timing and significance.
- Nostalgic Appreciation: Some fans welcome the throwback, reminiscing about Busch’s 2016 Xfinity dominance. For them, the tribute evokes memories of the era that led to the “Kyle Busch Rule,” limiting lower-series races for Cup drivers.
- Questioning Timing: A segment of fans questions the appropriateness of honoring an active driver, with one noting, “Throwing back to a driver who’s still racing is diabolical.”
- Age Considerations: The tribute’s timing sparks comments about Busch’s age, with one fan humorously suggesting, “He isn’t that old yet!!”
- Tradition vs. Modernity: Traditionally, tributes often honor retired legends, such as Austin Cindric’s Dale Earnhardt homage.
JGR’s Recent Design Success and Looking Ahead
Creativity flourishes at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) this season, as their cutting-edge paint schemes continue to captivate the NASCAR community. The recent tributes, including Denny Hamlin’s Progressive scheme and Christopher Bell’s DeWalt colors, have left fans applauding the ingenuity of JGR’s design team.
One fan encapsulated the sentiment by stating, “JGR designers out here pushing constant bangers.” This renewed focus on aesthetic innovation marks a tactical shift in JGR’s approach, blending tradition with modernity.
As the team looks ahead, the challenge remains whether William Sawalich can uphold Kyle Busch’s formidable legacy in the Xfinity Series. While Joe Gibbs’ silent tribute to Busch suggests an enduring respect, it also signals a forward-thinking mindset.
News in Brief: Joe Gibbs Pays Tribute to Kyle Busch in Shocking Twist
The decision by Joe Gibbs Racing to honor Kyle Busch through William Sawalich’s No. 18 Toyota emphasizes the enduring legacy Busch has left at the team. While Sawalich faces challenges in the Xfinity Series, the tribute has sparked admiration and debate among fans, highlighting Busch’s noteworthy impact on NASCAR. This move reflects JGR’s tactical blend of nostalgia and forward-thinking, as they continue to build on their storied history while steering through the complexities of honoring an active yet former driver.
