NASCAR Drivers Speak Out in the Wake of Kyle Busch’s Death: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and More Tributes

The extended NASCAR community has spoken out in the wake of racing legend Kyle Busch’s death.

The athlete died at age 41 on Thursday, May 21, following a “severe illness,” according to a statement released on behalf of the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR.

“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,” the statement began. “A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans.”

As the statement continued, it called out Busch’s two-decade-long career and the records he broke through several NASCAR races.

“His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation.’ Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha’s parents, Kurt and all of Kyle’s family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans,” the statement continued. “NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon. During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate.”

Keep scrolling to see who else spoke out following news of Busch’s death:

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

The fellow racing legend reflected on their “challenging existence” throughout their respective racing careers.

“We luckily took the time to figure out our differences and that was something he instigated with a conversation in his bus around how we each managed our racing teams,” Earnhardt Jr. wrote. “I was super eager for us to get on better terms. But it was he who made the effort for that to be possible. We did some media together also to laugh through some of the things we put each other through many years ago.”

He noted that they had plans to meet up next week.

“Kyle was one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. No one can deny that,” Earnhardt Jr. added. “But he was also a father, a husband, brother, son, and a friend to many. My heart is broken for the Busch family. I will never be able to make sense of this loss but I am thankful that we had found a way to become friends.”

Denny Hamlin

“Absolutely cannot comprehend this news,” the NASCAR driver shared via X, sharing the organization’s statement. “We just need to think of his family during this time. We love you KB.”

Brad Keselowski

“Absolute shock. Very hard to process,” the driver wrote via X. “Hug your loved ones.”

Clint Bowyer

“I just talked to him Friday. In complete shock, as we all are,” the driver shared. “The devastation and sadness is beyond words. Praying for Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, his entire family and loved ones.”

John Hunter Nemechek

“It’s hard to put into words what Kyle Busch has meant to me throughout my life and my career,” the driver wrote. “From the time I was young, Kyle believed in me, gave me opportunities, pushed me to be better, we had so many hard fought battles, and always someone I could lean on. He’s been more than a mentor to me.”

Nemechek called Kyle a “longtime friend” as his statement continued.

“Some of my favorite memories in racing and in life are because of him, and I will always be grateful for the impact he’s had on me both personally and professionally,” he continued. “He [has] always been there for me no matter what the circumstances may have been.”

Dave Portnoy

The Barstool Sports founder reacted to the news on X.

“What the hell? Awful out of nowhere news,” he wrote. “RIP Rowdy.”

Pat McAfee

The sports analyst shared photos of himself alongside Busch with a statement.

“I’m a bit shell shocked at the moment. Kyle was incredible to me and our progrum [sic]. A phenomenal hang, husband, father, and wheelman,” he wrote. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. We love you @KyleBusch .. You done good. Rest easy, man.”

Connor Zilisch

The NASCAR Cup Series driver also shared a tribute via X.

“At a loss for words. Thinking and praying for the entire Busch family.” he shared. “Godspeed my friend.”

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Busch won twice at this particular racetrack, also known as The Brickyard.

“Everyone at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Kyle Busch,” the racetrack’s president, J. Douglas Boles, shared in a statement. “Kyle was one of the most dominant racers in IMS history, highlighted by back-to-back NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 victories in 2015 and 2016, making history by sweeping both the Cup and NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races in those years.”

He added, “He was a fan favorite, loved for his competitive spirit and passion. He understood what racing and winning at Indianapolis means. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his wife, Samantha, children Brexton and Lennix, the entire Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire NASCAR family.”

Team Penske

“We’re incredibly saddened to learn about the unexpected passing of Kyle Busch. A tenacious competitor, his talent and relentless drive helped elevate NASCAR at every level,” they shared. “We had great respect for the intensity he brought to the sport. Our heartfelt condolences are with the Busch family, his friends and the entire motorsports community.”

Xfinity Racing

“We are heartbroken at the loss of Kyle Busch, the winningest driver in NASCAR national series history,” the company shared in a statement on social media. “Our thoughts & prayers are with Busch family, friends, and fans through this difficult time. We will miss you, Rowdy.”

IndyCar Series

“The entire INDYCAR community is saddened and heartbroken by the passing of Kyle Busch,” the racing organization wrote. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, Richard Childress Racing and the entire NASCAR community during this difficult time.”

Formula 1

The racing organization shared a statement via X.

“A true competitor and champion,” they wrote. “Our condolences to Kyle’s family, friends, and the entire NASCAR community.”

Joe Gibbs Racing

Busch raced with the Joe Gibbs Racing team for 15 seasons, from 2008 through 2022.

“Our hearts are broken for Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, and the entire Busch family,” they shared in a company statement. “Kyle was a fierce competitor, an incredible teammate, and, far more importantly, a devoted husband, father, and son. His impact on our organization and on the sport of NASCAR will never be forgotten.”

They added, “During this unimaginable time, everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing and the Gibbs family are lifting the Busch family up in prayer.”

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

The NASCAR racer also shared his condolences on X.

“There aren’t really words for today,” he wrote. “I’ve raced against Kyle for a long time, and anyone who’s lined up next to him knows exactly what made him special, he gave you everything he had, every single lap, and he made all of us better for it.”

Stenhouse Jr. added, “But more than the wins and the records, I keep thinking about Samantha, Brexton, and Lennix, and the entire Busch family right now. That’s where my heart is.”

The driver concluded his message with a note to Busch, using the late athlete’s nickname.

“Rest easy, Rowdy,” Stenhouse Jr. wrote. “The sport won’t be the same without you.”

Marco Andretti

Racing legend Martio Andretti’s grandson took to X with a tribute.

“No words,” he wrote. “Here for the family.”

Sage Steele

“This is shocking,” the ESPN anchor wrote on X. “I’m so so sorry to hear this.”