Busch paint scheme BANNED by NASCAR after…read more
It has come to light that NASCAR banned a proposed paint scheme for Kyle Busch during the 2024 season. The two-time Cup Series champion, who drives the No. 8 car for Richard Childress Racing, faced a challenging year on the track. Busch failed to secure a single victory, managing only five top-five finishes throughout the season, including a notable runner-up performance at the iconic Daytona International Speedway. Despite these efforts, he ended the season ranked 20th in the championship standings—an unusually low position for a driver of his caliber.
Away from racing, Busch is sponsored by 3CHI, a company specializing in cannabis-based products. One of 3CHI’s popular campaigns revolves around “Kyle Kush,” a playful nod to Busch’s name and their product line. While the sponsorship has raised eyebrows in some quarters, it has been a key partnership for the driver and his team.
Recently, 3CHI revealed that one of their custom car designs was rejected by NASCAR. Ahead of the final race of the season at Phoenix Raceway, the company submitted a proposal for a livery featuring marijuana leaves prominently displayed on Busch’s car, helmet, and racing suit. However, NASCAR, adhering to its current policies prohibiting marijuana-related branding, declined the request.
The news surfaced through a post on X (formerly Twitter) by 3CHI, where the company shared the rejected design with fans. In the post, they stated, “In case you missed it, here’s the full custom @KyleBusch design that didn’t make it to the track!” The company acknowledged NASCAR’s rules but expressed hope for a future where such designs might be permissible. They added, “We’re here to push boundaries and change the game. Maybe one day, you’ll see this on the track!”
NASCAR’s stance on marijuana-related designs aligns with broader industry norms, as motorsport remains cautious about associating with substances that, while increasingly legalized in various states, still carry regulatory and reputational risks. The rejection highlights the tension between evolving societal attitudes toward cannabis and traditional corporate policies in sports.
For now, Busch’s partnership with 3CHI continues to generate attention both on and off the track. While the controversial design never made it to a race, it sparked conversation among fans about the boundaries of sponsorship and NASCAR’s readiness to adapt to changing times.