Kurt Busch is still coming to grips with his brother’s death.
Kyle Busch died at the age of 41 on May 21 hours after pulling out of Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte More Speedway this weekend due to a “severe illness.”
Kurt, a star NASCAR racer in his own right and six years older than Kyle, mourned his loss on Monday
NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Kurt Busch (R) and his brother, NASCAR Cup Series driver, Kyle Busch pose for photos at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Getty Images
“Finding a silver lining, I reflect back on the days Kyle and I raced anything we could get our hands on,” Kurt said in an emotional Instagram post that included a collage of photos of the two brothers together.
“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 thanked everyone for the support his family has gotten since Kyle’s shocking passing.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he wrote. “Thank you, everyone, for the well wishes, support, and love for my brother and our family.”
Kurt, a 2026 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, offered a warning to other racers before Kyle broke onto the scene.
“You think I’m a pretty good race car driver?” he famously quipped in 2001. “Wait until you see my brother. He’s the best driver in the family.”
Kyle joined his brother on the Roush racing team as a 16-year-old junior that same year, but changes to the minimum age requirements allowed the younger sibling to “step out of the shadow of Kurt.”
Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Toyota, and Kurt Busch, driver of the #45 McDonald’s Throwback Toyota, pose with their mother, Gaye Busch prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on May 8, 2022. Getty Images
Kyle was determined to make his own mark, and quickly made a splash after joining Hendrick Racing in 2003.
The Las Vegas native went on to win two NASACAR Cup Series championships (2015, 2019), was twice the Cup Series regular season champion and is the All-time wins leader across the three NASCAR series (Cup Series, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Craftsman Truck Series) with 234 in a decorated career.
Kurt and Kyle Busch as kids KurtBusch/Instagram
With his passing, Kyle is survived not only by Kurt, but also his wife, Samantha and two children — son Brexton, who recently turned 11, and 4-year-old daughter Lennix.
