Late Kyle Busch’s father, Tom Busch, and his son, Brexton Busch, were at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on June 9, 2026, for the Cookout Summer Shootout. Tom & Brexton honored the two-time Cup Series champion, and the NASCAR fans reacted to it.
Kyle Busch was supposed to compete in the Summer Shootout Master’s Division, but the motorsport icon suddenly passed away on May 21, 2026. His father, Tom Busch, drove his No. 51 Legends car, as he led the field for an honorary lap. The field behind observed a missing man formation, followed by Kyle Busch’s father taking a lap by himself.
Kyle’s son, Brexton Busch, waved the green and chequered flags as his grandfather drove the No.51. Videos from the emotional tribute were shared on social media, with fans taking to the comments section to react.
“We all love you Brexton. Go make your dad proud. You’ve got about 2 million Uncles behind you now in this family we call NASCAR,” commented a user
Another wrote, “Entire industry has you back kid, keep grinding, your dads with you always”
“We’re proud of you!!!” mentioned another
Some fans noted Brexton Busch’s resemblance to his father as they were happy to see the 11-year-old smiling.
“I see kyle in his smile,” mentioned a user
Another commented, “Man how he resembles Kyle, wow!!!!!”
“He’s so beautiful when he smiles. Hope he finds lots more bright moments like this to help counter those dark times,” mentioned another.
Brexton Busch raced in the Summer Shootout Young Lions division and finished the first race on June 8 in P6. It was his first race after Kyle Busch’s sudden demise. The 11-year-old was in the lead of the feature race on June 9 when he was overtaken on the last lap, and finished P2.
Kyle’s elder brother Kurt Busch was at the Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Summer Shootout to support the 11-year-old.
Kyle Busch’s brother, Kurt, cheers on Brexton at Summer Shootout
Kyle Busch and his elder brother Kurt shared the tarmac for nearly two decades in the Cup series. Kurt Busch retired at the end of the 2022 season and was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame earlier this year.
Kurt Busch was at the Charlotte Motor Speedway and cheered Brexton on as he took to the track. He shared a video on his Instagram.
“Yeah, buddy! Of course it’s raining, we’re at a racetrack. Go get em, Brex!” said Kurt Busch in the video
“Brothers forever”: NASCAR community reacts as Kurt Busch breaks silence after Kyle Busch’s death
Kyle Busch and Brexton often raced together in Legend Cars and Late Models. The two-time Cup champion was not only a father, but also a mentor to Brexton.
