Kyle Busch’s family is continuous to pay tribute to the late driver, and this time, it was his father, Tom Busch’s, turn.
Tom, 72, got behind the wheel of his son’s No. 51 Legends Automotive at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Tuesday, June 9, ahead of the Masters Division of the Summer Shootout. Throughout the pace laps, Tom drove within the front row as the opposite drivers formed NASCAR’s “missing man” formation behind him. After, they peeled off, leaving Tom to himself for yet another lap in his son’s honor.
So as to add slightly extra intending to the touching moment, Kyle’s son, Brexton, an aspiring driver himself, waved the green flag after which the checkered flag as Tom finished his lap.
Kyle died on May 21 at age 41 after being found unresponsive in a racing simulator. A death certificate exclusively obtained by Us Weekly confirmed his family’s statement, which said he was affected by pneumonia, which progressed to sepsis.
The day before Tom’s tribute, Brexton, 11, placed sixth in his race on the CookOut Summer Shootout, his first event since his father’s death. (Kyle can be survived by his wife, Samantha, 40, and daughter Lennix, 4.)
As tributes proceed to pour in for Kyle, even weeks after his death, his brother also broke his silence with a heartfelt note via Instagram on Monday, June 8.
“Thanks from the underside of my heart,” Kurt Busch wrote. “Thanks, everyone, for the well wishes, support, and love for my brother and our family. Finding a silver lining, I reflect back on the times Kyle and I raced anything we could get our hands on. From big wheels to competing on the most important stages in motorsports, we were greater than just fierce competitors. We pushed one another, challenged one another, and learned from one another.”
He continued, “Kyle, your passion, determination, and love to your family inspired everyone who knew you. No trophy, championship, or accomplishment could ever measure the impact you had on my life and on so many others. I’ll ceaselessly be glad about the memories we made, the teachings you taught me, and the brotherhood we shared. My heart is broken, but I do know your spirit will at all times ride with me.”
Samantha shared an analogous sentiment in her first Instagram post after Kyle’s death, sent on Friday, June 5.
“As a family, we desired to take a moment to say thanks,” she wrote. “The prayers, messages, flowers, meals, hugs, and countless acts of kindness have carried us through essentially the most heartbreaking days of our lives. While our hearts are absolutely shattered, we’ve felt God’s presence and arms wrapped tightly around us through every one in every of you.”
Samantha added that the “love” from the community has brought her and her family comfort.
“Knowing the impact Kyle had on others and seeing how they’re honoring him through each unique act of generosity is a real testament to how special Kyle is to so many individuals,” she added. “There are moments when the load of this loss feels not possible to hold, yet time and time again God, through you all, has shown us we should not alone.”