An emotional tribute unfolded at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday as NASCAR honored Kyle Busch just days after the racing star’s sudden death at 41.
According to the New York Post, Busch’s wife, Samantha, and the couple’s two children, Brexton and Lennix, joined members of the NASCAR community before the Coca-Cola 600 for a ceremony remembering the two-time Cup Series champion.
Busch’s brother, Kurt, and parents, Tom and Gaye, also attended the pre-race tribute.
NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell addressed the crowd before a moment of silence was held for the late driver. Bagpipes then played “Amazing Grace” as cameras captured Samantha and 11-year-old Brexton visibly emotional during the ceremony.
At one point, Samantha was seen holding 4-year-old Lennix, who wrapped her arms tightly around her mother.
“What I think we’ll miss most isn’t the wins. It’s the guy who quietly wanted to help a teammate or give some advice,” O’Donnell said.
“It was the husband, the father, or the guy who quietly did things for others when no one was watching.”
O’Donnell also spoke directly to Busch’s family during the tribute.
“Samantha, I want you to know that this sport stands with you. And you and your children are NASCAR family forever,” he said.
“And Brexton and Lennix, your dad loved you with all his heart. Everyone gathered here, everyone behind, you, everyone watching on TV and all those people up in that grandstand are your family, and we’ve got you.”
He later described Busch as “one of a kind” and added that “there will never be another” like him.
The ceremony was one of several tributes held over Memorial Day weekend following Busch’s death on Thursday.
During the Indianapolis 500, a tribute featuring Busch’s image and name appeared on the scoring pylon during lap 18.
Moments of silence were also held during NASCAR Truck Series and NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events earlier in the weekend.
Busch died after suffering a medical emergency while testing a racing simulator in North Carolina the day before his death.
According to a medical evaluation released afterward, “severe pneumonia had progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications.”
The future Hall of Fame driver leaves behind Samantha, Brexton, and Lennix after a career that made him one of NASCAR’s most recognizable and successful competitors.
