Before the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR Had A Touching Tribute To Kyle Busch
Prior to the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday (May 24), NASCAR held a tribute to Kyle Busch, who passed away on Thursday (May 21).
The Busch family, his racing family, and more gathered on the race track, where Busch’s racing number, No. 8, and his signature was painted on the grass.
Steve O’Donnell, the CEO of NASCAR, led the tribute with a speech, saying, “Kyle Busch is NASCAR. Every racetrack was Kyle Busch’s home. 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.”
O’Donnell turned to Samantha and said, “Samantha, I want you to know that this sport stands with you, and that you and your children are NASCAR family forever. 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.”
In loving memory of Kyle Busch. pic.twitter.com/UvcB5C0oMn
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 24, 2026
He asked the crowd to honor Busch with a moment of silence. Samantha and Brexton emotionally embraced before “Amazing Grace” was played on bagpipes.
A moment of silence for Kyle Busch before the start of the Coca-Cola 600. pic.twitter.com/9pQjzZiD0A
— Sports on Prime (@SportsonPrime) May 24, 2026
Before the moment of silence, close friends came up to Samantha and Brexton to give them their love, and one of those people was 11-year-old Owen Larson. He is the son of NASCAR driver Kyle Larson.
Being the same age as Brexton, the two boys have grown up alongside each other.
The moment between Owen and Braxton has been talked about on social media and praised by NASCAR fans. Watch the tender moment below.
Kyle Larson’s son Owen walked over to console Brexton Busch before the moment of silence. pic.twitter.com/hhaEGfaRnB
— Sports on Prime (@SportsonPrime) May 24, 2026
More Tributes For Kyle Took Place Throughout The Day
This was not the only tribute to Kyle Busch that took palce at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday.
At the pre-race concert given by Brad paisley, the country star dedicated his performance of “When I get Where I’m Going” to the future Hall of Famer.
Before the race began, Kyle’s brother, retired NASCAR driver Kurt Busch, placed eight white roses by the No. 8 on the grass field.
An emotional pre race at the Coke 600. Kurt Busch lays down 8 flowers on the infield No. 8 for his late brother Kyle Busch. Not a dry-eye in the speedway. pic.twitter.com/cEsnm3VhBV
— Joey Ellis (@Jellis1016) May 24, 2026
Another moment of tribute, driver Bubba Wallace took a moment beside the No. 8 on the field. Despite being rivals on the race track, Bubba
A powerful moment before the Coca-Cola 600.
Bubba Wallace seen kneeling beside the painted No. 8 on the Charlotte Motor Speedway infield honoring Kyle Busch, as the NASCAR world continues grieving the loss of the two-time Cup Series champion.
The tribute stopped fans in their… pic.twitter.com/PyJyKjuBe1
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 24, 2026
Lastly, during Lap No. 8, the fans were silent and all held up eight fingers in Busch’s honor. See the powerful tribute below.
