The NASCAR season will not pause despite the sudden death of two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch. The home weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway will take place as planned while the industry mourns.
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Busch, 41, passed away on Thursday after what the family called a "severe illness." This followed a hospitalization and an announcement that he would miss Sunday's Coca-Cola 600, the longest race of the season.
Charlotte Motor Speedway, a property of Speedway Motorsports, has confirmed that it will hold tributes to Busch throughout the weekend. It did not provide details as of Friday morning, but the track had a display honoring the champion on the massive video board overlooking the backstretch.
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— Charlotte Motor Speedway (@CLTMotorSpdwy) May 22, 2026
The current plan is for the Craftsman Truck Series race to take place as planned on Friday night (7:30 p.m. ET), the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race to take place on Saturday evening (5 p.m. ET), and the Coca-Cola 600 to take place on Sunday evening (6 p.m. ET).
Corey Day will drive the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado for Spire Motorsports on Friday night while taking over for Busch. Austin Hill will drive the No. 8 Chevrolet on Sunday during the Coca-Cola 600.
This schedule remains in limbo due to the persistent chance of rain and thunderstorms all weekend.
"Kyle Busch was a champion among champions — a once-in-a-generation competitor whose grit, unmistakable driving style and relentless pursuit of excellence elevated him to a place among the very best drivers in our sport," Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith said in a statement.
"When Kyle climbed behind the wheel, he brought an intensity and determination that demanded respect from his competitors and inspired fans throughout motorsports.
"At Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kyle etched his name in history, earning more victories across NASCAR's top three series than any other driver in our sport, highlighted by his victory in the 2018 Coca-Cola 600. Many of his remarkable 234 NASCAR victories came at Speedway Motorsports tracks where his talent and competitive spirit created countless memorable moments for more than two decades.
"Beyond his extraordinary accomplishments in NASCAR, Kyle's passion for racing extended deeply into dirt racing and U.S. Legend Car competition, where he proudly shared the track with his son, Brexton. Away from the racetrack, Kyle was a savvy businessman, a devoted father and a loyal friend whose impact was felt far beyond the sport.
"Our hearts are with Samantha, Brexton, Lennix and the entire Busch family during this incredibly difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences, prayers and unwavering support as they mourn the loss of someone who meant so much to so many."
