Kyle Busch’s legacy lives on through his son, Brexton.
Kyle was born into a racing family, with both his father, Tom, and his brother, Kurt, being drivers. So it came as no surprise when his son, Brexton, began racing at age 5. The Daytona Beach News-Journal reports that Brexton has since earned over 100 wins.
Brexton celebrated his 11th birthday on May 18th. Kyle’s last post on social media was a birthday message to his son, which read in part, “You’re the best kid on & off the track, you amaze us every day.“
View this post on Instagram
Kyle, who also shared a 4-year-old daughter, Lennix, with his wife, Samantha, died on May 21st at the age of 41. The NASCAR champion’s cause of death was confirmed to be pneumonia that progressed into sepsis.
On Tuesday (June 2nd), a private memorial service was held in Kyle’s memory. Little was shared about the service beyond the fact that it occurred, and a public celebration of life will follow in Charlotte at a later date.
Hours after Kyle Busch’s memorial service, his son made his return to the racetrack.
Later on June 2nd, Charlotte Motor Speedway posted a picture showing Brexton Busch at the track in his bright green #18 Legend car. This was his first time behind the wheel since Kyle died.
USA Today reports that Brexton ran laps during a practice session for the Cook Out Summer Shootout. The outlet wrote that he will race in Round 1 of the Shootout on Monday (June 8th).
Other pictures shared by US Legend Cars/INEX showed several cars with tribute stickers honoring Kyle at the track on Tuesday night. See those pictures below.
A little Shootout shakedown. 😤@USLegendCars | @CookOut pic.twitter.com/ME7mNHDrLU
— Charlotte Motor Speedway (@CLTMotorSpdwy) June 3, 2026
Forever Rowdy5️⃣1️⃣ pic.twitter.com/x1ooYX2Wjr
— US Legend Cars/INEX (@USLegendCars) June 2, 2026
How Kyle Busch’s Son Has Honored Him Since His Death
The day after Kyle died, Brexton shared a subtle tribute to his dad. He changed his Facebook profile photo to a snapshot of the two of them embracing.
Then, at the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24th, Brexton joined his mother, sister, and other family members as Kyle was honored at the race.
“Samantha, I want you to know that this sport stands with you, and that you and your children are NASCAR family forever,” said NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell. “Brexton and Lennix, your dad loves you with all his heart. Everyone gathered here, everyone behind you, everyone watching on TV, and all those people up in that grandstand, they are your family, and we’ve got you.”
Brexton hugged his mom as she cried. In another emotional moment, Kyle Larson’s son, Owen, could be seen comforting Brexton.
If Brexton decides to continue racing, his father’s #8 will be waiting for him. On May 22nd, Kyle’s team, Richard Childress Racing, announced the number’s suspension…until Brexton’s ready for it.
“Kyle Busch was instrumental in the design of RCR’s stylized No. 8 and it has become synonymous with Kyle and an important symbol for his fans and the NASCAR industry,” the team shared in a statement on social media. “No one can carry it forward to the level that he did. The No. 8 is reserved and ready for Brexton Busch when he is ready to go NASCAR racing.”
Our continued prayers are with Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, and the entire Busch family during this difficult time. May Kyle rest in peace…
Richard Childress Racing has elected to suspend use of the No. 8 and will run the No. 33 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and beyond. Kyle Busch was instrumental in the design of RCR’s stylized No. 8 and it has become synonymous with Kyle and an important symbol for his fans and the…
— RCR (@RCRracing) May 22, 2026
