Kyle Busch’s family is continuing to pay tribute to the late driver, and this time, it was his father, Tom Busch’s, turn.
Tom, 72, got behind the wheel of his son’s No. 51 Legends Car at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Tuesday, June 9, ahead of the Masters Division of the Summer Shootout. During the pace laps, Tom drove in the front row as the other drivers formed NASCAR’s “missing man” formation behind him. After, they peeled off, leaving Tom to himself for one more lap in his son’s honor.
To add a little extra meaning to the touching moment, Kyle’s son, Brexton, an aspiring driver himself, waved the green flag and then the checkered flag as Tom finished his lap.
Kyle died on May 21 at age 41 after being found unresponsive in a racing simulator. A death certificate exclusively obtained by Us Weekly confirmed his family’s statement, which said he was suffering from pneumonia, which progressed to sepsis.
The day before Tom’s tribute, Brexton, 11, placed sixth in his race at the CookOut Summer Shootout, his first event since his father’s death. (Kyle is also survived by his wife, Samantha, 40, and daughter Lennix, 4.)
As tributes continue to pour in for Kyle, even weeks after his death, his brother also broke his silence with a heartfelt note via Instagram on Monday, June 8.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Kurt Busch wrote. “Thank you, everyone, for the well wishes, support, and love for my brother and our family. Finding a silver lining, I reflect back on the days Kyle and I raced anything we could get our hands on. From big wheels to competing on the biggest stages in motorsports, we were more than just fierce competitors. We pushed each other, challenged each other, and learned from each other.”
He continued, “Kyle, your passion, determination, and love for your family inspired everyone who knew you. No trophy, championship, or accomplishment could ever measure the impact you had on my life and on so many others. I will forever be grateful for the memories we made, the lessons you taught me, and the brotherhood we shared. My heart is broken, but I know your spirit will always ride with me.”
Samantha shared a similar sentiment in her first Instagram post after Kyle’s death, sent on Friday, June 5.
“As a family, we wanted to take a moment to say thank you,” she wrote. “The prayers, messages, flowers, meals, hugs, and countless acts of kindness have carried us through the most heartbreaking days of our lives. While our hearts are absolutely shattered, we have felt God’s presence and arms wrapped tightly around us through each and every one of you.”
Samantha added that the “love” from the community has brought her and her family comfort.
“Knowing the impact Kyle had on others and seeing how they are honoring him through each unique act of generosity is a true testament to how special Kyle is to so many people,” she added. “There are moments when the weight of this loss feels impossible to carry, yet time and time again God, through you all, has shown us we are not alone.”
