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Motorsport
Motorsport
Nick DeGroot

Motorsports world mourns the unexpected loss of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch

Kyle Busch Kyle Kirkwood NASCAR Samantha Brexton KB Richard Childress Racing ECR IMS (Organization) Speedway Motorsports

A two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion with 762 career starts, Kyle Busch was a legend of the sport. His 234 wins across all three national divisions put him in a class of his own. Along with being one of top ten winningest drivers in Cup Series history, no driver comes close to his level of his success in the O'Reilly and Truck Series.

Busch was 41, and leaves behind wife Samantha, his 11-year-old son racer Brexton, and 4-year-old daughter, Lennix.

The reaction from the motorsports community has been one of shock, as Busch was racing -- and winning -- just last weekend, earning his 69th career Truck victory at Dover Motor Speedway.

Here's a collection of reactions and tributes from around the racing world:

NASCAR drivers, crew chiefs, teams, and others

Dale Earnhardt Jr.: "Kyle and I had a really challenging existence for many years. But we luckily took the time to figure out our differences and that was something he instigated with a conversation in his bus around how we each managed our racing teams. I was super eager for us to get on better terms. But it was he who made the effort for that to be possible. We did some media together also to laugh through some of the things we put each other through many years ago. Most recently we had even been discussing him running my Late Model at Wilkesboro this summer. He seemed extremely happy and we had planned to meet up next Thursday to get his seat to the shop. He laughed over the idea of his fans and JRM fans having to cheer in unison during that race. Kyle was one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. No one can deny that. But he was also a father, a husband, brother, son, and a friend to many. My heart is broken for the Busch family. I will never be able to make sense of this loss but I am thankful that we had found a way to become friends."

Denny Hamlin: "Absolutely cannot comprehend this news. We just need to think of his family during this time. We love you KB."

Brad Keselowski: "Absolute shock. Very hard to process. Hug your loved ones"

Mark Martin: "I’m in shock and (am) speechless."

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.: "There aren’t really words for today. I’ve raced against Kyle for a long time, and anyone who’s lined up next to him knows exactly what made him special, he gave you everything he had, every single lap, and he made all of us better for it. But more than the wins and the records, I keep thinking about Samantha, Brexton, and Lennix, and the entire Busch family right now. That’s where my heart is. Rest easy, Rowdy. The sport won’t be the same without you."

Connor Zilisch: "At a loss for words. Thinking and praying for the entire Busch family. Godspeed my friend."

AJ Allmendinger: "In shock, absolutely heartbroken and saddened for the loss of Kyle Busch. More importantly thinking of Samantha and his entire family. KB is one of the best to ever do it."

Tyler Gibbs, president of Toyota USA: "Kyle was an incredible champion who demanded perfection every single day due to his deep desire to win. Kyle and Toyota were synonymous with winning for 15 years, with countless record-breaking milestones, race victories and multiple championships celebrated together. While there were many exciting moments spent in victory lane, Kyle’s personal relationship with the entire Toyota family was even more memorable. His impact on NASCAR and the whole motorsports community cannot be measured. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Samantha, Brexton, Lennix and the entire Busch family during this difficult time.”

Mark Reuss, president of General Motors: "The shocking news of Kyle’s passing is devastating to me, and to everyone at Chevrolet and General Motors. Our hearts go out to Samantha, their children Brexton and Lennix and the Busch family, everyone at RCR, Kyle’s legions of fans and all of Rowdy Nation. He was a fierce competitor who found success both as a driver and team owner, as well as a generous benefactor to countless families with the Bundle of Joy Fund he founded with his wife, Samantha. On top of all that, he found time to be a true friend to us all."

Team Penske: "We’re incredibly saddened to learn about the unexpected passing of Kyle Busch. A tenacious competitor, his talent and relentless drive helped elevate NASCAR at every level. We had great respect for the intensity he brought to the sport. Our heartfelt condolences are with the Busch family, his friends and the entire motorsports community."

JR Motorsports: "On the track, Kyle was a tremendous and fierce competitor. Racing against him week in and week out on Saturdays was an honor for us. Off the track, he was a devoted husband and father. Kyle's love for his family was second to none. We send our deepest condolences and our love to Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, and the entire Busch family."

Hyak Motorsports: "All of us at Hyak Motorsports are heartbroken by the passing of Kyle Busch. A champion, competitor, and one of the most impactful drivers NASCAR has ever seen, Kyle's influence on the sport will be felt for years to come. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, race team, and the entire NASCAR community."

Trackhouse Racing: People like Kyle drove the inspiration for a company like Trackhouse to exist. The spectacular moments he gave all of us just fed the desire to make NASCAR a bigger part of our lives. His indeliable mark on this sport will echo in the future generations of drivers that dream of doing it like Kyle did. Our sincere condolences go out to Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, and the entire Busch family.

John-Hunter Nemechek: "It's hard to put into words what Kyle Busch has meant to me throughout my life and my career. From the time I was young, Kyle believed in me, gave me opportunities, pushed me to be better, we had so many hard fought battles, and always someone I could lean on. He's been more than a mentor to me. He's been a longtime friend and someone l've looked up to for so many years. Some of my favorite memories in racing and in life are because of him, and I will always be grateful for the impact he's had on me both personally and professionally. He always been there for me no matter what the circumstances may have been. Right now, my thoughts and prayers are with Kyle, Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, the entire Busch family, and everyone who loves him. I'm asking everyone to keep the Busch family in your prayers and respect their privacy during this difficult time."

Leigh Diffey: "Difficult to process for someone so talented and young. RIP Kyle"

Miguel Paludo: "This news is so heartbreaking—prayers to all his family in this difficult time. RIP, KB."

Sam Mayer: "Absolutely devastating. God bless you KB."

Garrett Smithley: "Prayers for his family. So awful…."

Landon Cassill: "Thank you for everything Kyle. We love you"

Regan Smith: "At a loss for words. Absolutely heartbroken and sending many prayers for Samantha, Brexton, Lennix and the entire Busch family. Rest easy Kyle."

Other motorsports and beyond

Formula 1: "A true competitor and champion Our condolences to Kyle's family, friends, and the entire NASCAR community."

Kyle Kirkwood: "So sad to hear the news. Kyle’s determination and passion was a big part of why I fell in love in motorsports. He was the first driver I ever got a signature from when I was a young fan and to this day I still have that hat on display. Thoughts and prayers going out to his family."

Will Buxton: What utterly unfathomable and tragic news. Completely stunned. All thoughts and love with his countless friends and adoring family.

ECR: "We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Kyle. The entire ECR organization extends our deepest sympathies to his friends, family and team."

Marco Andretti: "No words. Here for the family."

Sage Karam: "Absolutely in shock. RIP Rowdy. Feel so bad for Samantha and the kids. Praying for the entire Busch family"

Marcus Smith, CEO of Speedway Motorsports

“Kyle Busch was a champion among champions — a once-in-a-generation competitor whose grit, unmistakable driving style and relentless pursuit of excellence elevated him to a place among the very best drivers in our sport. When Kyle climbed behind the wheel, he brought an intensity and determination that demanded respect from his competitors and inspired fans throughout motorsports.

"At Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kyle etched his name in history, earning more victories across NASCAR’s top three series than any other driver in our sport, highlighted by his victory in the 2018 Coca-Cola 600. Many of his remarkable 234 NASCAR victories came at Speedway Motorsports tracks where his talent and competitive spirit created countless memorable moments for more than two decades.

"Beyond his extraordinary accomplishments in NASCAR, Kyle’s passion for racing extended deeply into dirt racing and U.S. Legend Car competition, where he proudly shared the track with his son, Brexton. Away from the racetrack, Kyle was a savvy businessman, a devoted father and a loyal friend whose impact was felt far beyond the sport.

"Our hearts are with Samantha, Brexton, Lennix and the entire Busch family during this incredibly difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences, prayers and unwavering support as they mourn the loss of someone who meant so much to so many.”

Indianapolis Motor Speedway president Doug Boles

"Everyone at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Kyle Busch. Kyle was one of the most dominant racers in IMS history, highlighted by back-to-back NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 victories in 2015 and 2016, making history by sweeping both the Cup and NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races in those years. He won a record four O'Reilly Series races at the Racing Capital of the World and made his 700th career Cup Series start in the 30th anniversary 2024 Brickyard 400 at IMS – a significant career milestone. He was a fan favorite, loved for his competitive spirit and passion. He understood what racing and winning at Indianapolis means. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his wife, Samantha, children Brexton and Lennix, the entire Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire NASCAR family."

Joint statement from NASCAR, RCR, and Busch family

“On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch.

“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch. A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans.

“Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR’s highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series.

“His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation.’ Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha's parents, Kurt and all of Kyle’s family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans. NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon.

“During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate."

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