Kyle Busch’s grieving wife Samantha attended the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday just three days after the NASCAR legend’s sudden death.
Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion and father of two, died of complications after suffering with ‘severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis’ on Thursday, shortly after being hospitalized. He was 41.
In the wake of the heartbreaking news, NASCAR held a moment of silence for the iconic driver ahead of the Coca-Cola 600 – the first race since his tragic passing.
In an incredible display of strength, Busch’s heartbroken wife Samantha attended the race, clutching a bouquet of white roses as she joined the emotional tribute to her late husband.
Samantha struggled to keep her composure, breaking down into tears as she and their 11-year-old son Brexton stood arm-in-arm on the track.
Busch, who competed in more than 760 races during a storied 24-year career, is survived by Samantha, and their two children, Brexton and Lennix, four. Lennix did not appear to attend Sunday’s race.
NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell shared some heartfelt words as the series honored Busch.
‘No one ever feels fully prepared to speak at a moment like this and I think we can all agree this was Kyle Busch’s home,’ he said.
‘Every race track was Kyle Busch’s home. He competed like he had something to prove every single race, when in reality he’d already proven everything.
‘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.
‘It was the husband, the father, or the guy who quietly did things for others when no one was watching. And to the Busch family – Tom, Gaye, Kurt, all the folks at RCR and JGR, we are certainly thinking about you.’
He added: ‘Samantha, I want you to know that this sport stands with you. And you and your children are NASCAR family forever.’
‘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.’
More to follow.
