The extended NASCAR community has spoken out in the wake of racing legend Kyle Busch\u2019s death.<\/p>\n
The athlete died at age 41 on Thursday, May 21, following a \u201csevere illness,\u201d according to a statement released on behalf of the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,\u201d the statement began. \u201cA 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
As the statement continued, it called out Busch\u2019s two-decade-long career and the records he broke through several NASCAR races.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal \u2018Rowdy Nation.\u2019 Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha\u2019s parents, Kurt and all of Kyle\u2019s family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans,\u201d the statement continued. \u201cNASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon. During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family\u2019s privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Keep scrolling to see who else spoke out following news of Busch\u2019s death:<\/p>\n
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
\nThe fellow racing legend reflected on their \u201cchallenging existence\u201d throughout their respective racing careers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d Earnhardt Jr. wrote. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
He noted that they had plans to meet up next week.<\/p>\n
\u201cKyle was one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. No one can deny that,\u201d Earnhardt Jr. added. \u201cBut 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Denny Hamlin
\n\u201cAbsolutely cannot comprehend this news,\u201d the NASCAR driver shared via X, sharing the organization\u2019s statement. \u201cWe just need to think of his family during this time. We love you KB.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brad Keselowski
\n\u201cAbsolute shock. Very hard to process,\u201d the driver wrote via X. \u201cHug your loved ones.\u201d<\/p>\n
Clint Bowyer
\n\u201cI just talked to him Friday. In complete shock, as we all are,\u201d the driver shared. \u201cThe devastation and sadness is beyond words. Praying for Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, his entire family and loved ones.\u201d<\/p>\n
John Hunter Nemechek
\n\u201cIt\u2019s hard to put into words what Kyle Busch has meant to me throughout my life and my career,\u201d the driver wrote. \u201cFrom 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\u2019s been more than a mentor to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nemechek called Kyle a \u201clongtime friend\u201d as his statement continued.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of my favorite memories in racing and in life are because of him, and I will always be grateful for the impact he\u2019s had on me both personally and professionally,\u201d he continued. \u201cHe [has] always been there for me no matter what the circumstances may have been.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dave Portnoy
\nThe Barstool Sports founder reacted to the news on X.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat the hell? Awful out of nowhere news,\u201d he wrote. \u201cRIP Rowdy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pat McAfee
\nThe sports analyst shared photos of himself alongside Busch with a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a bit shell shocked at the moment. Kyle was incredible to me and our progrum [sic]. A phenomenal hang, husband, father, and wheelman,\u201d he wrote. \u201cMy thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. We love you @KyleBusch .. You done good. Rest easy, man.\u201d<\/p>\n
Connor Zilisch
\nThe NASCAR Cup Series driver also shared a tribute via X.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt a loss for words. Thinking and praying for the entire Busch family.\u201d he shared. \u201cGodspeed my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
\nBusch won twice at this particular racetrack, also known as The Brickyard.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Kyle Busch,\u201d the racetrack\u2019s president, J. Douglas Boles, shared in a statement. \u201cKyle 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\u2019Reilly Auto Parts Series races in those years.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added, \u201cHe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Team Penske
\n\u201cWe\u2019re 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,\u201d they shared. \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xfinity Racing
\n\u201cWe are heartbroken at the loss of Kyle Busch, the winningest driver in NASCAR national series history,\u201d the company shared in a statement on social media. \u201cOur thoughts & prayers are with Busch family, friends, and fans through this difficult time. We will miss you, Rowdy.\u201d<\/p>\n
IndyCar Series
\n\u201cThe entire INDYCAR community is saddened and heartbroken by the passing of Kyle Busch,\u201d the racing organization wrote. \u201cWe extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, Richard Childress Racing and the entire NASCAR community during this difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Formula 1
\nThe racing organization shared a statement via X.<\/p>\n
\u201cA true competitor and champion,\u201d they wrote. \u201cOur condolences to Kyle\u2019s family, friends, and the entire NASCAR community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe Gibbs Racing
\nBusch raced with the Joe Gibbs Racing team for 15 seasons, from 2008 through 2022.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur hearts are broken for Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, and the entire Busch family,\u201d they shared in a company statement. \u201cKyle was a fierce competitor, an incredible teammate, and, far more importantly, a devoted husband, father, and son. His impact on our organization and on the sport of NASCAR will never be forgotten.\u201d<\/p>\n
They added, \u201cDuring this unimaginable time, everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing and the Gibbs family are lifting the Busch family up in prayer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
\nThe NASCAR racer also shared his condolences on X.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere aren\u2019t really words for today,\u201d he wrote. \u201cI\u2019ve raced against Kyle for a long time, and anyone who\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stenhouse Jr. added, \u201cBut more than the wins and the records, I keep thinking about Samantha, Brexton, and Lennix, and the entire Busch family right now. That\u2019s where my heart is.\u201d<\/p>\n
The driver concluded his message with a note to Busch, using the late athlete\u2019s nickname.<\/p>\n
\u201cRest easy, Rowdy,\u201d Stenhouse Jr. wrote. \u201cThe sport won\u2019t be the same without you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Marco Andretti
\nRacing legend Martio Andretti\u2019s grandson took to X with a tribute.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo words,\u201d he wrote. \u201cHere for the family.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sage Steele<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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