“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.”
