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Kyle Busch's legacy lives on.
Three days after the NASCAR driver died at age 41, multiple drivers paid tribute to the legendary athlete during the Indianapolis 500 May 24.
Indeed, Romain Grosjean is just one racer who honored Busch’s legacy, driving a number 18 car which the late racer is famously associated with. The number was also printed in the same font that Busch used while driving for Joe Gibbs Racing in NASCAR.
Meanwhile, the Chip Ganassi Racing team adjusted its pit signs for the race in remembrance of Busch, and during the 18th lap—another nod to his famous number—of the race, Busch was honored on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's scoring pylon as the crowd took a moment of silence.
NASCAR drivers Jimmie Johnson, Danica Patrick and Tony Stewart were also among those who paid tribute to Busch.
But the tributes didn't stop there. After all, the Charlotte Motor Speedway honored Busch by displaying a photo of him on its jumbotron May 22, where he was set to race at the Coca-Cola 600 May 24.
The Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith—whose company oversees the racetrack—reflected on the "once-in-a-generation" driver and his legacy.
"At Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kyle etched his name in history, earning more victories across NASCAR's top three series than any other driver in our sport," the statement on X began. "Many of his remarkable 234 NASCAR victories came at Speedway Motorsports tracks where his talent and competitive spirit created countless memorable moments for more than two decades."
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"When Kyle climbed behind the wheel," he added, "he brought an intensity and determination that demanded respect from his competitors and inspired fans throughout motorsports."
The Charlotte Motor Speedway also honored Busch ahead of the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 May 22, with the track holding a moment of silence for the late NASCAR champion.
Busch—one of the most decorated drivers in the sport's history—had passed out May 20 while testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator, several people familiar with the situation told the Associated Press. He had become unresponsive and was quickly transported to a hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina, the AP reported.
The following day, on May 21, his family shared he was in the hospital with a "severe illness." Then, hours later, NASCAR confirmed Busch—dad to kids Brexton, 11, and Lennix, 4, with wife Samantha Busch—had died.
"A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation," the joint statement with his family shared. "He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans."
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"NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon," the statement continued. "During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family's privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers."
Two days following his death, his family confirmed Busch's cause of death was severe pneumonia, which progressed into sepsis.
"The medical evaluation provided to the Busch Family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications," the Busch family said in a May 23 statement, per NBC News. "The family asks for continued understanding and privacy during this difficult time."
For a closer look at Busch's life on and off the racetrack, keep reading.
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A Partner at His Side
Kyle Busch had his loved ones by his side for all of life's most important moments before his death on May 21 at the age of 41. The NASCAR driver and wife Samantha Busch were parents to son Brexton, born in 2015, and daugther Lennix, born in 2022.
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Victory for The Family
Kyle was joined by Samantha, Brexton and Lennix on Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fr8 Racing 208 at Echo Park Speedway in February 2026.
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Girl Dad
Kyle shared a tender moment with his youngest at the NASCAR Cup Series Food City Dirt Race in 2023.
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Football Fam
Kyle, Samantha and Brexton hit the stadium to catch a game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Denver Broncos.
Family of Four
The quartet had recently enjoyed a snowy family vacation.
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Sweet Moments
Kyle and Samantha always made sure Brexton was with them for all of their important celebrations.
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From the race track in Texas to his home in Las Vegas, Kyle loved making memories with his Samantha and their son Brexton.
"My forever valentine," Samantha wrote on Instagram when celebrating the romantic holiday. "Thank you for always making me laugh and live life to the fullest. I love you!"
"Congrats Brexton on a great season at @millbridgespeedway," Samantha wrote on Instagram in honor of her son's racing milestone. "We are so proud of you!!! You have grown and improved so much this season to winning your first Saturday Night Series Championship! We can't wait to see what you do this year!"
Samantha and Kyle opted for cute matching leather jackets.
Racing around a track is cool, but so was finding the perfect pumpkin. "The most perfect pumpkins in the patch @samanthabusch @brextonbusch," Kyle wrote at Instagram. "Fun times at the @bundleofjoyfund play date."
The couple enjoyed a getaway to Las Vegas, with Kyle posting on Instagram, "I hit the jackpot w u @samanthabusch."
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Baby Brexton
A newborn Brexton joined his mom and dad on stage at the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards.
Life wasn't all work and no play for Kyle. In fact, he loved vacations with his family.
Kyle and his family celebrate one of his many NASCAR wins with a trip Disney World.
"Hey pretty baby w the high heels on," Kyle wrote on Instagram when enjoying a romantic evening at La Belle Helene Restaurant in Charlotte, N.C.
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Family Affair
When Kyle won the NASCAR Xfinity Series Pit Boss 250 in May 2021, his wife Samantha and son Brexton took a trip down victory lane in Austin, Texas to celebrate the driver.
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