Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch was honoured by the U.S. representative for North Carolina’s 6th congressional district, Addison McDowell, at the United States House of Representatives on June 9, 2026. McDowell addressed the House floor for four minutes in memory of the late NASCAR driver.
Kyle Busch suddenly passed away on May 21, 2026, aged 41, after battling pneumonia, which progressed into sepsis and led to complications. Despite playing the “Villain” role, Rowdy was a fan favorite and loved across the paddock.
Busch, who was a North Carolina native, born in Charlotte, was honoured by Congressman Addison McDowell, who has been serving as the U.S. representative for North Carolina’s 6th congressional district since 2025.
McDowell is himself a North Carolina native and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2016. Honoring Kyle Busch, the 32-year-old said,
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Kyle Busch, a fierce competitor, a legendary race car driver, and most importantly, a great man. Kyle was a husband to Samantha, a father to beautiful children. He was a brother, a son, a businessman, a driver, an entertainer, and one of the greatest competitors to ever get behind the wheel racing cars,” Addison McDowell SAID.
He went on to list Busch’s achievements, racing records, and how “he hated losing more than he loved winning.” The Congressman then compared Kyle Busch to Michael Jordan, before highlighting the 2015 season, when the NASCAR icon won the title despite missing the first 11 races after wrecking at Daytona.
“Kyle’s impact across the NASCAR family was massive. He inspired a generation of drivers that are working their way through the ranks right now. That impact alone is an incredibly strong legacy to leave. But the track is only part of Kyle Busch’s story,” McDowell SAID.
“Mr. Speaker, as we continue to shower the Busch family with prayer, and as we grieve this loss alongside Kyle’s wife, Samantha, his children, Brexton and Lennix, and his entire family, let us remember that Kyle Busch will forever be a legend. There are heroes, and there are legends. Heroes get remembered and legends never die. Kyle Busch was a legend behind the wheel and in that sense, he’s immortal. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back,” the U.S. Representative SAID in concluSION.
Kyle Busch’s Father Tom Busch And Son Brexton Busch Honor Him At Charlotte Motor Speedway
Kyle Busch was supposed to drive in the Master’s Division at the Summer Shootout, which took place at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. However, the two-time Cup champion passed away. His father, Tom Busch, and his son, Brexton Busch, paid an emotional tribute to him ahead of the Master’s Division race.
Tom Busch led the field in the No.51 Legend Car driven by Kyle. The drivers behind observed the missing driver formation before Tom took a lap by himself. Brexton Busch waved the green and checkered flag as his grandfather drove the car.
Brexton Busch also competed in the Summer Shootout Young Lions division, where he just missed out on the win in the feature race. Brexton was in the lead before he was passed on the final lap and finished P2.
