Reactions, tributes continue following NASCAR legend Kyle Busch's tragic death
Elizabeth FloresAs fans begin to gather in Indianapolis and Charlotte, North Carolina for a huge auto racing weekend, reactions and tributes continue to pour in from around the auto racing and sports worlds following the tragic death of NASCAR star Kyle Busch.
Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, died Thursday, May 21 at the age of 41. While the cause of his death has not been disclosed, the Busch family said he had been hospitalized with a "severe illness" just days before he was scheduled to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Busch’s hospitalization followed an incident while he was testing a Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on Wednesday. He became unresponsive during the session and was immediately transported to a hospital in Charlotte, according to the Associated Press.
Ahead of the Indianapolis 500, the scoring pylon at Indianapolis Motor Speedway was illuminated Thursday in a heartfelt tribute to honor NASCAR star.
USA TODAY Sports will continue to update as remembrances continue from Indianapolis and Charlotte.
MLB mourns passing of Busch in X post
Major League Baseball offered its condolences on the loss of Busch on Friday.
"We join the rest of the sports world in mourning the tragic passing of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch," the league posted on its official X page.
The league's note of remembrance also served a reminder that Busch, a lifelong Cincinnati Reds fan, delivered the first pitch at MLB’s Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2025. The matchup pitted the Reds vs. the Atlanta Braves, which Atlanta would win 4-2.
Driver Austin Dillon writes long tribute to Kyle Busch
Austin Dillon, Kyle Busch's NASCAR Cup Series teammate at Richard Childress Racing, posted a long letter honoring Busch: as an inspiration when Dillon was a young kid in the racing shop of his grandfather Richard Childress; as a fierce competitor, first in the Truck Series and all the way up to the Cup Series; and as a mentor, when, years later, Busch joined RCR. Read the full, emotional letter below:
Kyle Busch Motorsports decals on the Spire Motorsports trucks
Many trucks in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series field are now displaying special memorial decals honoring Kyle Busch. These decals feature his iconic car numbers and personal insignia.
WWE posts tribute to Kyle Busch
WWE expressed its deep sorrow on social media upon learning of the passing of legendary NASCAR driver and passionate WWE fan Kyle Busch.
The promotion paid tribute to Busch’s enduring legacy in motorsports and his support for WWE, extending heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire NASCAR community.
Baseball Hall of Famer Chipper Jones pays tribute to Kyle Busch
Fans pour donations into Busch’s Bundle of Joy charity
In the hours following the news of Kyle Busch’s passing, an outpouring of support from fans was directed toward Kyle and Samantha Busch’s Bundle of Joy charity. Moved by his legacy both on and off the track, fans began making donations in tribute to the NASCAR champion. According to the charity’s website, many contributions were made in symbolic amounts—$18.18 and $18.08—representing Busch’s iconic car numbers: the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota M&M’s car and the No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet Camaro Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen car.
Charlotte Motor Speedway honoring Kyle Busch with a Jumbotron tribute
Charlotte Motor Speedway is paying tribute to NASCAR legend Kyle Busch with a Jumbotron tribute during this weekend's Coca-Cola 600 events. Busch was originally scheduled to compete in this weekend’s race.
How Indianapolis Motor Speedway will honor Kyle Busch during Indy 500
NASCAR driver Kyle Busch will be recognized during Sunday's Indianapolis 500 with the pylon lit in his honor for Lap 18, the number of his car. Busch died at 41 on Thursday. The cause of death was not announced.
– Nat Newell and Zion Brown, IndyStar
President & CEO of Medallion Financial Andrew Murstein's statement on Kyle Busch's death
Andrew Murstein released the following statement:
“Kyle Busch was one of the fiercest competitors NASCAR has ever seen and a true superstar who helped elevate the sport to another level. Beyond the track, he was respected throughout the racing world for his passion, intensity, and dedication to his fans, family, and team.
This is heartbreaking news for everyone connected to NASCAR. The racing community is a family, and today that family is mourning the loss of an extraordinary talent taken far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, teammates, friends, and the millions of fans who grew up watching him compete at the highest level of motorsports.”
The 110th Indianapolis 500 practice honors Kyle Busch
The 110th Indianapolis 500 practice session began with a heartfelt tribute to NASCAR star Kyle Busch ahead of the day’s coverage. Commentators, including former IndyCar drivers James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell, reflected on Busch’s remarkable career and the impact he has had on motorsports. They shared personal anecdotes and highlighted his achievements, expressing their deepest condolences to the Busch family and acknowledging the profound loss felt throughout the racing community.
IMS President J. Douglas Boles' statement on Kyle Busch's death
IMS President J. Douglas Boles released the following statement Thursday night.
"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,” Boles siad. "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."
NHL's Eastern Conference Finals
Prior to Game 1 of the NHL's Eastern Conference Finals between the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens, the Hurricanes paid tribute to Kyle Busch with memorial ceremony. The arena was filled with a moment of silence and a video montage celebrating Busch’s accomplishments.