Kyle Busch’s 11-Year-Old Son Pays Emotional Tribute With Burnout & Signature Bow
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Remembering NASCAR Driver Kyle Busch
On Friday (Oct. 9), NASCAR legend Kyle Busch was honored as fans and members of the racing community come together to celebrate his life and legacy.
Busch died on May 21 at the age of 41. NASCAR confirmed the news in a statement, while the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR also released a joint statement honoring the longtime driver.
His family announced shortly before his death that the two-time Cup Series champion had been hospitalized with what they described as a “severe illness” and would no longer participate in any racing activities.
They later released a statement on May 23, revealing that he died due to complications related to “severe pneumonia [that] progressed into sepsis.”
We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport’s greatest and fiercest drivers. He was 41 years old. We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 21, 2026
Busch leaves behind his wife, Samantha, and their two children, Brexton, 11, and Lennix, 4. Known to fans as “Rowdy,” he left a remarkable legacy in NASCAR, winning Cup Series championships in 2015 and 2019.
The late driver began racing as a teenager and quickly rose through the ranks. He debuted in NASCAR’s top series in 2004 with Hendrick Motorsports before becoming the face of Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota’s NASCAR program for 15 seasons. In 2023, he joined Richard Childress Racing.
Busch’s public memorial was held on Friday (Oct. 9) at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, following the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race. Those attending the Truck Series race were encouraged to stay afterward and make their way toward the start and finish line to remember “Rowdy.”
The event featured heartfelt remarks from Samantha, Kyle’s brother Kurt Busch, Joe Gibbs, Austin Dillon, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Daniel Suárez and Noah Gragson. FOX Sports broadcaster Mike Joy served as the host, guiding the celebration of Busch’s life and legacy.
Perhaps one of the most special moments from the evening came from Busch’s young son. Brexton has already begun following in his father’s footsteps in motorsports. He has competed in youth racing, including go-kart and quarter midget events.
Following the ceremony, Brexton took a special lap around the Charlotte Motor Speedway tri-oval in the No. 8 Chevrolet once driven by his late father. Introduced by Samantha, Brexton circled the track before performing a burnout, receiving a roaring applause from the crowd.
After bringing the car to a stop, Brexton climbed onto the roof and bowed to the crowd, recreating his father’s signature bow. Samantha and Lennix could be seen emotionally watching from the sidelines.
Like father, like son. 💙 https://t.co/oow4LUM0kK
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 10, 2026
Busch held numerous NASCAR records, including the most combined wins across NASCAR’s three national touring series. He earned 63 Cup Series victories, more than 100 Xfinity Series wins, and nearly 70 Truck Series wins during his career.
