CONCORD, N.C. — As the Busch family mourns the loss of Kyle Busch, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 41, they joined the NASCAR community on Sunday evening as they arrived at Charlotte Motor Speedway ahead of the Coca-Cola 600. Busch’s widow, Samantha, their two children, Brexton and Lennix, Busch’s parents, Tom and Gaye, and his brother, Kurt, are all in attendance for the first NASCAR Cup Series race since the family’s tragic loss.
In a touching ceremony during the pre-race festivities, Steve O’Donnell, CEO of NASCAR, took a moment to address Samantha, Brexton, and Lennix. As the 11-year-old Brexton comforted his mother with Richard Childress beside them, O’Donnell assured the family that the NASCAR family will always be there for them.
“Samantha, I want you to know that this sport stands with you,” O’Donnell said, “and that you and your children are NASCAR family forever. And Brexton and Lennix, your dad loved you with all of his heart. Everyone gathered here, everyone behind you, everybody watching on TV, and all those people up in that grandstand, they’re your family, and we’ve got you.”
Then, O’Donnell stated, “Kyle Busch is NASCAR. He was one of a kind, and there will never be another.”
In loving memory of Kyle Busch. pic.twitter.com/UvcB5C0oMn
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 24, 2026
After a brief moment of silence, a bagpipe rendition of Amazing Grace rang out.
A moment of silence for Kyle Busch before the start of the Coca-Cola 600. pic.twitter.com/9pQjzZiD0A
— Sports on Prime (@SportsonPrime) May 24, 2026
Immediately, the emotions rushed back into the 1.5-mile race track, as everyone was reminded that one of the greatest race car drivers to ever live, and one who was a master at playing to the fans in attendance over the years, was no longer with us.
But Busch was a racer, and every racer would want racing to continue no matter what, and that is what will happen on Sunday evening. The gloomy weather that has persisted in Concord, NC, all week long has drifted away, and it’s time for the NASCAR Cup Series stars to compete for 600 miles in honor of Busch.
One Response
In my book, NASCAR will never be the same