Multiple franchises, athletes, and sports leagues have come together to honor the memory of Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion who passed away on Thursday at the age of 41.
Videos by FanBuzz
This includes the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League, a team that plays its home games approximately two hours away from the Richard Childress Racing shop.
The Hurricanes hosted the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night to kick off the Eastern Conference Final. Prior to the game, the team put Busch's photo on the video board and dimmed the lights in the Lenovo Center.
A sweet tribute from the Carolina Hurricanes for Kyle Busch before Game 1 tonight. pic.twitter.com/xlQv2HdlEw
— Flyers Clips (@Flyers_Clips) May 22, 2026
While the announcer spoke about Busch's passing, the fans and players in attendance stood in his honor. They then cheered upon seeing photos of the record-breaking driver celebrating his wins.
The Hurricanes joined the multitudes in honoring Busch's memory on Thursday and into Friday. The team served as one of the many examples of his impact going far beyond the confines of stock car racing.
WWE posted a tribute to Busch, someone who had enjoyed some crossover events with the professional wrestling league. Former MLB star Chipper Jones shared a story on social media about a particular conversation he had with Busch at Bristol Motor Speedway.
"Quick story about Kyle Busch....Johnny Bench and I threw out the first pitch at the baseball game at Bristol last yr to Chase Elliott and Kyle," Jones wrote. "During the rain delay I asked who has won the most races at Bristol. Cup wise, we threw out names like Rusty Wallace and Darrell Waltrip.
"Kyle was quick to remind us that he had more thru ALL circuits of racing at the track. He was a dawg behind the wheel and I'm saddened to hear of his passing today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Hug ur people! Sad day in the racing world."
Pat McAfee, a prominent sports show host, talked about the many times that Busch joined him to discuss racing and other prominent topics.
Even Vice President JD Vance shared a story about meeting Busch back at the 2024 playoff race at the Charlotte Roval.
I had the opportunity to meet Kyle, one of NASCAR’s greatest racers, on the campaign trail in 2024. Usha and I are praying for him and his family. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. pic.twitter.com/j2Jwa5WNXu
— JD Vance (@JDVance) May 22, 2026
"We join the rest of the sports world in mourning the tragic passing of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch," Major League Baseball wrote in a statement.
"In 2025, Kyle threw out the first pitch at MLB's Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones."
