NASCAR driver Connor Zilisch is a lifelong supporter of Kyle Busch’s 11-year-old son, Brexton.
“Tough end to the day for us but today was greater than racing,” Zilisch, 19, shared via X on Sunday, May 24. “Brexton, you may have a fan and supporter for all times buddy. Sending like to the Busch family.”
The late Kyle was honored during Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600, which took place on the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina. Brexton was present alongside his mom, Samantha Busch, and sister Lennix, 4, as NASCAR honored his late father with a moment of silence prior to the race.
“Samantha, I need you to know that this sport stands with you, and that you simply and your kids are NASCAR family endlessly,” the announcer said during Sunday’s race. “Everyone gathered here, everyone behind you, everybody watching on TV, and all those people up in that grandstand are your loved ones, and we’ve got you.”
Samantha, 39, got emotional and hugged Brexton throughout the speech.
“Kyle Busch is NASCAR,” the speech concluded. “He was considered one of a form and there won’t ever be one other, and I’d ask everybody now to hitch us in a moment of silence for Kyle.”
The Busch family announced on Thursday, May 21, that Kyle had been hospitalized with a “severe illness” and wouldn’t be racing in Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600. Hours later, it was announced that Kyle had died. He was 41.
“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the lack of Kyle Busch,” an announcement released by the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR read, partly. “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 expert and he cared deeply concerning the sport and fans. Throughout a profession that spanned greater than 20 years, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR’s highest level and fostered the following generation of drivers as an owner within the Truck Series.”
On Saturday, May 23, his reason for death was revealed. A rep for Busch’s family confirmed to NBC News that he died from pneumonia that progressed “into sepsis, leading to rapid and overwhelming associated complications.”
Richard Childress Racing (RCR) announced earlier this week that they planned to temporarily retire the No. 8 automobile, which Kyle was driving prior to his death.
“Kyle Busch was instrumental within the design of RCR’s stylized No. 8 and it has turn out to be synonymous with Kyle and a very important symbol for his fans and the NASCAR industry,” RCR said in an announcement on Friday, May 22. “Nobody can carry it forward to the extent that he did. The No. 8 is reserved and prepared for Brexton Busch when he’s able to go NASCAR racing.”