Kurt Busch took to social media and shared an emotional message weeks after his brother Kyle Busch’s sudden death. The NASCAR community reacted as Kurt broke his silence and posted an emotional tribute for the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion.
Richard Childress Racing driver Kyle Busch died on May 21. Earlier that day, the family released a statement about the RCR driver battling with a severe illness, followed by NASCAR announcing that Busch had died.
Kyle Busch and his brother Kurt shared the track for almost two decades before Kurt announced his retirement from full-time racing in 2023. In 2004, Kyle made his Cup series debut, and the same year, his older brother Kurt won his only Cup title. The two Busch brothers share 97 Cup wins between them.
Kurt Busch hasn’t publicly spoken since Kyle Busch died. On Monday, the 47-year-old shared an emotional tribute to his brother in a post on Instagram, which included childhood images as well as images of them battling on the track.
Kurt also penned an emotional message in the caption, which thanked the NASCAR community for their love and support. His post read:
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 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.
“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. Rest easy, little brother.”
The NASCAR community reacted to Kurt’s tribute for his “little brother” in the comments section.
“Brothers forever……. God Bless you and the Busch family ❤️🙏🏻,” wrote former NASCAR driver Tomy Drissi.
NASCAR Icon Kenny Wallace and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s sister Kelly Earnhardt Miller dropped a “❤️” emoji in the comments.
Monster Energy, a primary sponsor for both Kurt and Kyle Busch, commented:
“Forever in our hearts 💚🕊️ #rowdyforever.”
NASCAR, Xfinity Racing and 23XI Racing’s official social media accounts also reacted to Kurt Busch’s emotional tribute.
Samantha Busch’s emotional message after Kyle Busch’s sudden death: “Thank you for honoring him.”
Samantha Busch was at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, where NASCAR paid tribute to Kyle Busch in a ceremony ahead of the Coca-Cola 600. Busch’s children, Brexton and Lennix, were also present at the circuit. However, Samantha didn’t speak with anyone, and it was only after Kyle’s private memorial took place on June 2 that she took to Instagram and shared an emotional message.
“From family and friends to fans and complete strangers, thank you for showing up for us. Thank you for loving our family so well. Thank you for loving Kyle. Thank you for honoring him. We may never find the words to fully express what your support has meant to us, but please know that we are deeply grateful. Samantha, Brexton & Lennix,” wrote Samantha Busch.
A public memorial for Kyle Busch will reportedly take place in Charlotte, but the date for the same hasn’t been confirmed as of yet.