Kurt Busch has released his first statement since his younger brother, Kyle, passed away at the age of 41 due to severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis.
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Kurt posted multiple photos of him and his brother on social media from their respective careers, as well as a long message saying he is heartbroken. This included a photo of them celebrating with trophies at the International Race of Champions and another of them being honored as part of NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart," Kurt wrote on June 8. "Thank you, everyone, for the well wishes, support, and love for my brother and our family. Finding a silver lining, I reflect back on the days Kyle and I raced anything we could get our hands on.
Thank you, everyone, for the well wishes, support, & love for my brother and our family. I reflect back on the days Kyle and I raced anything we could get our hands on.
I will forever be grateful for the memories we made, the lessons you taught me, and the brotherhood we shared. pic.twitter.com/LbJeubWkXW— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) June 8, 2026
"From big wheels to competing on the biggest stages in motorsports, we were more than just fierce competitors. We pushed each other, challenged each other, and learned from each other. Kyle, your passion, determination, and love for 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 will forever be grateful for the memories we made, the lessons you taught me, and the brotherhood we shared. My heart is broken, but I know your spirit will always ride with me. Rest easy, little brother."
Kurt had remained away from the spotlight in the weeks following his younger brother's death. He made one brief appearance at Charlotte Motor Speedway as he joined the rest of his family for a ceremony honoring the two-time Cup Series champion's memory.
Kurt then laid several flowers on the No. 8 logo on the Charlotte Motor Speedway infield grass. These flowers remained in place throughout the rain-shortened Coca-Cola 600.
The Busch brothers didn't always see eye to eye, but they supported each other in important moments. This includes when the Kyle showed up to be a part of Kurt's induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
The two also delivered exhilarating battles on the race track while competing for wins. One wreck in the 2007 All-Star Race led to the two refusing to speak for over a year, but other battles highlighted their mutual respect.
The 2019 race at Kentucky featured the two brothers racing for the win in the closing laps, as did the 2021 race at Atlanta. They didn't wreck each other; instead, they showed why they would both end up in the Hall of Fame.
