The extended NASCAR community spoke out behind the racing legend Kyle Buschdeath'.
The athlete died at the age of 41 on Thursday, May 21, following a “severe illness,” according to a statement released on behalf of the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR.
“Our entire NASCAR family is devastated by the loss of Kyle Busch,” the statement began. “A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare, once-in-a-generation talent. He was aggressive, passionate, incredibly talented and deeply cared about the game and the fans.”
As the statement continued, we called out Busch's twelve-year career and the records he broke in numerous NASCAR races.
“His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with fans of all ages, creating a 'proud and loyal Rowdy nation.' “Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle's parents and Samantha, Kurt and all of Kyle's family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his colleagues, friends and fans,” the statement continued. “NASCAR lost a sporting giant today, far too soon. During this incredibly difficult time, we ask that everyone please respect the family's privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared accordingly.”
Keep scrolling to see who else spoke next on the news of Busch's death:
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
The fellow racing legend expressed their “challenging presence” throughout their racing careers.
“Fortunately we took the time to work out our differences and that was something he developed through a conversation on his bus about how we run our race teams,” Earnhardt Jr. wrote. “I was very eager for us to get along better. But he is the one who made the effort to make that happen. We do the media together to laugh at some of the things we faced many years ago.”
He mentioned that they have plans to meet next week.
“Kyle was one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. No one can deny that,” added Earnhardt Jr.. “But he was also a father, a husband, a brother, a son, and a friend to many. My heart goes out to the Busch family. I can't fathom this loss but I'm thankful that we found a way to be friends.”
Denny Hamlin
“I can't understand this news,” the NASCAR driver shared X, sharing a statement from the organization. “We have to think about his family at this time. We love you KB.”
Brad Keselowski
“Total shock. Hard to process,” the driver wrote via X. “Go your loved ones.”
Clint Bowyer
“I just spoke to him on Friday. I'm completely shocked, as we all are,” said the driver. “The grief and sadness is beyond words. We are praying for Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, his entire family and loved ones.”
John Hunter Nemechek
“It's hard to describe what Kyle Busch has meant to me throughout my life and career,” the driver wrote. “From a young age, Kyle believed in me, gave me opportunities, pushed me to be better, we had many tough battles, and was always someone I could lean on. He was more than a mentor to me.”
Nemechek called Kyle a “longtime friend” as his statement continued.
“Some of my favorite memories in racing and in life are because of him, and I will always be grateful for the impact he has had on me personally and professionally,” he continued. “He [has] I was always there no matter what the circumstances were.”
Dave Portnoy
The founder of Barstool Sports responded to the news on X.
“What the hell? Bad news out of nowhere,” he wrote. “RIP Rowdy.”
Pat McAfee
The sports commentator shared photos of himself alongside Busch in a statement.
“I'm in shock right now, Kyle has been unbelievable to me and our program [sic]. He wrote, a husband, a father and a man on wheels.” “My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. We love you @KyleBusch .. Well done. Rest man.”
Connor Zilisch
The NASCAR Cup Series driver also shared a gift with X.
“I am speechless. I am thinking and praying for the entire Busch family.” then. “Godspeed my friend.”
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Busch won twice at this particular race, also known as The Brickyard.
“Everyone at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is saddened to hear of the passing of Kyle Busch,” race president J. Douglas Boles, shared in a statement. “Kyle was one of the best racers in IMS history, highlighted by back-to-back NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 victories in 2015 and 2016, setting record sweeps of the Cup and NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series races those years.”
He added, “He was a fan favorite, loved his competitive spirit and his passion. He understood what it meant to race and win at Indianapolis. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his wife, Samantha, children Brexton and Lennix, the entire Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire NASCAR family.”
Team Penske
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Kyle Busch. A fierce competitor, his talent and hard driving helped elevate NASCAR at all levels,” they shared. “We greatly respected the intensity he brought to the sport. Our condolences go out to the Busch family, his friends and the entire sports community.”
Xfinity Racing
“We are saddened by the loss of Kyle Busch, the winningest driver in the history of the NASCAR National Series,” the company shared in a statement on social media. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Busch family, friends and fans at this difficult time. We will miss you, Rowdy.”
The IndyCar Series
“The entire INDYCAR community is saddened and saddened by the passing of Kyle Busch,” the racing organization wrote. “Our condolences go out to his family, friends, Richard Childress Racing and the entire NASCAR community at this difficult time.”
Formula 1
The race organization shared a statement on X.
They wrote: “A true competitor and champion. Our condolences to Kyle's family, friends and the entire NASCAR community.”
Joe Gibbs Racing
Busch raced with the Joe Gibbs Racing team for 15 seasons, from 2008 to 2022.
“Our hearts go out to Samantha, Brexton, Lennix and the entire Busch family,” the company shared in a statement. “Kyle was a fierce competitor, an amazing teammate, and most importantly, a dedicated husband, father and son. His impact on our organization and the sport of NASCAR will never be forgotten.”
They added, “In this unimaginable time, everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing and the Gibbs family are lifting up the Busch family in prayer.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
The NASCAR racer also shared his condolences to X.
“There are really no words for today,” he wrote. “I've raced for Kyle for a long time, and anyone who's lined up next to him knows exactly what made him special, he gave it everything he had, every lap, and he made us all better for it.”
Stenhouse Jr. he added, “But in addition to the wins and records, I keep thinking about Samantha, Brexton, and Lennix, and the entire Busch family right now. That's where my heart is.”
The driver concluded his message by writing to Busch, using the late athlete's nickname.
“Rest easy, Rowdy,” Stenhouse Jr. wrote. “The game won't be the same without you.”
Marco Andretti
A racing legend Martio AndrettiGrandson took X as a gift.
“There are no words,” he wrote. “Here in the family.”
Sage Steele
“This is shocking,” wrote an ESPN anchor on X. “I'm so sorry to hear this.”
