NASCAR’s Kyle Busch shared a sweet tribute to his eldest child just days before his death.
Busch took to Instagram on Monday, May 18, to celebrate son Brexton’s 11th birthday, writing, “Happy Birthday Brexton!!! Your mom & I are so proud of who you’re turning out to be!”
He continued: “You’re the best kid on & off the track, you amaze us every day. Keep doing what you’re doing and there is no limit to what you’ll accomplish! Love you buddy!”
Kyle’s wife, Samantha Busch, with whom he also shared daughter Lennix Key, 4, shared a message to their son as well, which read, “11 years of loving you, cheering you on, and trying to figure out how you grew up this fast. Happy birthday to my sweet boy. Watching you become this driven, funny, kind-hearted little man has been the greatest gift. So proud of you every single day, Brex.”
Days after their son’s birthday, news broke that Kyle had been hospitalized with a “severe illness.” He died at age 41 on Thursday, May 21.
“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,” read a statement from the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR. “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.”
The statement continued: “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.”
In the statement, they remembered Kyle’s “sharp wit and competitive spirit” along with his “deep emotional connection” with NASCAR fans.
“NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon,” they concluded. “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.”
Kyle was also honored by his fellow NASCAR drivers. Kevin Harvick noted that the sport “lost one of its true giants” with Kyle’s death.
“Kyle Busch and I spent years pushing each other to the limit. We raced hard, traded paint and fought for every inch because all either of us wanted to do was beat the other,” he shared on social media. “What people may not realize is how much that rivalry drove us both. Kyle made me better because you had to be at your absolute best to beat him. Over time, that fierce competition turned into a mutual respect.”
Mark Martin shared his own tribute via X, which read, “I’m in shock and speechless. I am extremely grateful for the relationship Kyle and I had. He treated me like gold. Showed me respect beyond belief. I wish I could do something to help everyone.”
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