Memorial Day weekend across American motorsports became an emotional tribute to Kyle Busch following the NASCAR star's death Thursday at age 41.
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Busch died after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, according to a statement released by his family. His death sent shockwaves through NASCAR, IndyCar and the broader racing community.
At Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Busch won the Coca-Cola 600 in 2018, tributes surrounded Sunday night's race weekend. A large black No. 8 and Busch's signature were painted on the frontstretch grass, while his image appeared on the speedway videoboard.
NASCAR officials also planned a moment of silence before the race, with all 39 cars carrying Busch decals. During Lap 8, television broadcasters and the public-address system went silent in his honor.
Incredible Kyle Busch Tribute
(By @dj_brownsville) pic.twitter.com/Kl6CBqnjgn
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) May 24, 2026
"An American badass," NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell called Busch, via The Associated Press.
Fellow drivers struggled to process the loss.
"When you think race car driver and what that person should be like, Kyle Busch is probably one of the first that comes to your mind," Joey Logano said.
Earlier Sunday at the Indianapolis 500, Dale Coyne Racing honored Busch by changing the font on Romain Grosjean's No. 18 car to resemble the number Busch made famous during his years with Joe Gibbs Racing. Busch's name and years were later displayed on the Indianapolis scoring pylon during Lap 18.
Meanwhile, Richard Childress Racing announced Busch's iconic No. 8 will be retired from competition for now and reserved for his son, Brexton, should he someday pursue a NASCAR career.
Fans throughout the weekend wore "Rowdy" and "KFB" shirts while reflecting on Busch's legacy as one of the most successful and polarizing drivers in NASCAR history.
"He's just real," one fan said. "What you saw on the track is who he was."
