OFFICIAL STATEMENTS FROM THE MOTORSPORTS INDUSTRY ON THE PASSING OF KYLE BUSCH

JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE BUSCH FAMILY, RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING AND NASCAR

On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch.

Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch. A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans. Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR’s highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series. His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation.’ Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha’s parents, Kurt and all of Kyle’s family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans. NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon.

During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate.

SPEEDWAY MOTORSPORTS CEO MARCUS SMITH

Kyle Busch was a champion among champions — a once-in-a-generation competitor whose grit, unmistakable driving style and relentless pursuit of excellence elevated him to a place among the very best drivers in our sport. When Kyle climbed behind the wheel, he brought an intensity and determination that demanded respect from his competitors and inspired fans throughout motorsports.

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, highlighted by his victory in the 2018 Coca-Cola 600. 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.

Beyond his extraordinary accomplishments in NASCAR, Kyle’s passion for racing extended deeply into dirt racing and U.S. Legend Car competition, where he proudly shared the track with his son, Brexton. Away from the racetrack, Kyle was a savvy businessman, a devoted father and a loyal friend whose impact was felt far beyond the sport.

Our hearts are with Samantha, Brexton, Lennix and the entire Busch family during this incredibly difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences, prayers and unwavering support as they mourn the loss of someone who meant so much to so many.

JOE GIBBS RACING

Our hearts are broken for Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, and the entire Busch family. Kyle was a fierce competitor, an incredible teammate, and, far more importantly, a devoted husband, father, and son. His impact on our organization and on the sport of NASCAR will never be forgotten.

During this unimaginable time, everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing and the Gibbs family are lifting the Busch family up in prayer.

TOYOTA RACING DEVELOPMENT

Kyle was an incredible champion who demanded perfection every single day due to his deep desire to win. Kyle and Toyota were synonymous with winning for 15 years, with countless record-breaking milestones, race victories and multiple championships celebrated together. While there were many exciting moments spent in victory lane, Kyle’s personal relationship with the entire Toyota family was even more memorable. His impact on NASCAR and the whole motorsports community cannot be measured. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Samantha, Brexton, Lennix and the entire Busch family during this difficult time.

RICK HENDRICK, HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS OWNER

This is an incredibly painful shock for all of us and a heartbreaking loss for the NASCAR family,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, in a statement. “Kyle was one of the most talented drivers I’ve ever seen and a racer in the truest sense of the word. He had a fire and competitive spirit that drove him to be great. I watched Kyle grow up in this sport and valued the friendship we shared long after he drove for our organization.

As much as he loved to drive a race car, nothing brought him more joy than being a husband, a father and watching his son race. On behalf of everyone at Hendrick Motorsports, our hearts are with Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, Kurt and the Busch family.

JEFF GORDON, HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS VICE CHAIRMAN

This is a devastating loss and one that is hard for the NASCAR community to process. Kyle was a fierce competitor who demanded the very best from himself each time he put on the helmet. As teammates, I saw firsthand the passion and intensity he brought to the sport every single day. He was a champion and prolific racer who made a tremendous impact on NASCAR and was a lifelong advocate for all forms of motor sports.

But beyond the track, he loved his family deeply and was incredibly proud of Samantha, Brexton and Lennix. My thoughts are with the entire Busch family during this extremely difficult time.

TEAM PENSKE

We’re incredibly saddened to learn about the unexpected passing of Kyle Busch. A tenacious competitor, his talent and relentless drive helped elevate NASCAR at every level. We had great respect for the intensity he brought to the sport. Our heartfelt condolences are with the Busch family, his friends and the entire motorsports community.

RFK RACING

RFK Racing is incredibly saddened by the tragic passing of NASCAR legend and future Hall of Famer Kyle Busch. Kyle was universally admired for his incredible success, competitive fire, passion for racing, and love for his family.

Although Kyle will be missed immensely, his legacy and spirit will be felt in the garage indefinitely.  Our hearts and prayers go out to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing, and all of our friends and colleagues who are mourning this unspeakable loss.

NASCAR HALL OF FAME

The NASCAR Hall of Fame is devastated to learn the news of the passing of Kyle Busch.  We send our prayers and deepest sympathies to Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, Tom, Gaye, Kurt and the entire Busch family during this incredibly difficult time.

JIMMIE JOHNSON

Kyle Busch wasn’t just one of the fiercest competitors our sport has ever seen, he was one of the most talented race car drivers I’ve ever shared a track with. We spent years as teammates at Hendrick Motorsports, and even as competitors, there was always a deep respect for what he could do behind the wheel. Kyle pushed all of us to be better. His passion, intensity, and love for racing were unmatched, and his impact on this sport will be felt forever. I’ll always remember the many laughs and conversations away from the spotlight, and most importantly the way he cared so deeply about his family. My heart goes out to Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, Kurt, his parents, many teammates across the industry, fans and everyone who loved Kyle. NASCAR lost one of its greatest talents today, and we’ve all lost a friend.

DALE EARNHARDT JR.

Kyle and I had a really challenging existence for many years. But we luckily took the time to figure out our differences and that was something he instigated with a conversation in his bus around how we each managed our racing teams. I was super eager for us to get on better terms. But it was he who made the effort for that to be possible. We did some media together also to laugh through some of the things we put each other through many years ago. Most recently we had even been discussing him running my Late Model at Wilkesboro this summer. He seemed extremely happy and we had planned to meet up next Thursday to get his seat to the shop. He laughed over the idea of his fans and JRM fans having to cheer in unison during that race. Kyle was one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. No one can deny that. But he was also a father, a husband, brother, son, and a friend to many. My heart is broken for the Busch family. I will never be able to make sense of this loss but I am thankful that we had found a way to become friends.

NORTH CAROLINA MOTORSPORTS ASSOCIATION

We are heartbroken and devastated by the passing of Kyle Busch.  Our deepest condolences go out to Kyle’s wife, Samantha, his children, Brexton and Lennix, the entire Busch family, the men and women of Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, fellow competitors, and the fans of “Rowdy Nation.” Kyle was a devoted husband and father, as well as a champion competitor, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.