On Sunday, May 24, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, was held.
Absent from the race was one of NASCAR‘s greats, the late Kyle Busch.
At the age of 41, Kyle died on May 21, leaving behind his wife, Samantha; and their two children, Brexton (age 11) and Lennix (age 4).
The loss of Kyle was foregrounded at the race, with NASCAR fans, drivers, and management taking a moment to honor the two-time champion’s legacy.
Brad Paisley also dedicated his pre-race concert performance of “When I Get Where I’m Going” to Kyle, which can be seen below…
Daniel Suárez went on to win the race, and he powerfully dedicated his Coca Cola 600 victory to the memory of Kyle Busch. See more on Suárez’ victory dedication, here.
A Moment Of Silence For Kyle Busch
“Kyle Busch is NASCAR,” said Steve O’Donnell, CEO of NASCAR, as he stood with Samantha and Brexton Busch at the sideline of the Coca-Cola 600.
Prior to that powerful statement, O’Donnell said, “Every racetrack was Kyle Busch’s home.”
Further, he said:
“He competed like he had something to prove, every single race, when — in reality — he had already proven everything. What I think we’ll miss the most isn’t the wins, it’s the guy who quietly wanted to help a teammate, to give some advice, who’s the husband, the father, or the guy who quietly did things for others when no one was watching.”
He then turned to Samantha and Brexton, and said to thunderous applause, “Samantha, I want you to know that this sport stands with you, and that you and your children are NASCAR family forever.”
Samantha and Brexton then embraced one another.
O’Donnell then stated, “Brexton and Lennix, your dad loved you with all his heart. Everyone gathered here, everyone behind you, everybody watching on TV, and all those people up in that grandstand are your family and we’ve got you.”
Watch O’Donnell’s full remarks on Kyle Busch, with Samantha and Brexton’s heartbroken response, here:
In loving memory of Kyle Busch. pic.twitter.com/UvcB5C0oMn
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 24, 2026
His comments were then followed by a moment of silence.
Watch the moment of silence, with Samantha and Brexton Busch standing on the sideline as “Amazing Grace” is played on the bagpipes, here:
This was the moment that truly encapsulated how much Kyle Busch meant to NASCAR.
The strength of Samantha and Brexton. They will always have a massive extended family to lift them up.
Well done, @NASCAR pic.twitter.com/UMoCDYlmSY
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace) May 24, 2026
Kurt Busch, Bubba Wallace, And Brad Paisley Pay Tribute To Kyle Busch
Prior to the start of the race, NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace, who drives for Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing team, was seen at the No. 8 on the field.
Kneeling before the number associated with Kyle Busch, Bubba’s gesture has garnered a strong reaction from many online.
Kyle’s brother, retired NASCAR driver Kurt Busch, placed eight white roses by the No. 8 on the field, honoring his brother’s memory. He can be seen crossing himself before he stands from the number.
Notably, the No. 8 has been retired by the Richard Childress Racing team, with the number being held for Brexton if he pursues racing.
