Growing up in North Carolina, a love of NASCAR is supposed to be in your blood, because Charlotte and the surrounding smaller cities and towns are considered the heart of NASCAR - "with more than 90 percent of NASCAR teams based in the area," complete with the premier race track: the Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS).
Though I typically don't say this too much in conversations with my fellow southerners, I've never been that big a racing fan despite my love of sports. My sole experience as a teenager at the track, which was during the Camel GT 500, was standing on top of a U-Haul truck in the infield and watching the cars go around and around in the late spring heat. Because I was young and grumpy, my future brother-in-law half-jokingly threatened to toss me off the truck if I didn't stop fussing.
My experiences at the track as an adult were during qualifying events, which I went to with my dad, so I could spend some time with him doing something he loved to do. Relatedly, I spent countless hours dozing on the sofa on race days while my dad was glued to the TV to watch the goings on.
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My dad lived a long life, passing away at the age of 77.
But sadly, there are moms, dads, sisters, brothers, etc., who are taken from us too soon, something we saw happen on Thursday with the shocking passing of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch, who was just 41 years old. His cause of death was "severe pneumonia [that] progressed into sepsis."
Busch is survived by his wife, Samantha, and his two kids, daughter Lennix (4) and son Brexton.
Young Brexton turned 11 on May 18th, and among the many people who attended his birthday party was, of course, his dad. As you can see from the image below on the right (which was taken at Brexton's birthday celebration), he is the spitting image of his dad:
Brexton Busch heartbreakingly updates profile picture to hugging photo with father Kyle Busch https://t.co/a2cYT3WhUu pic.twitter.com/4tOOv1oAaC
— New York Post (@nypost) May 23, 2026
Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, was supposed to race in the Coca-Cola 600, which was held Sunday at the CMS. His Richard Childress Racing (RCR) teammate, Austin Hill, was picked to replace him on the track, and he drove the No. 33 car, as Busch's No. 8 Cup Series car was "temporarily retired" by RCR, "at least until the late driver's 11-year-old son, Brexton, is ready to take over behind the wheel."
Brexton, like his mom, his little sister, and his uncle, retired NASCAR legend Kurt Busch, is shouldering a lot right now. But on Sunday, Brexton put on a show of strength much older than his 11 years, being there to support his family through the most trying of times:
Brexton looks to be taking his role as the protector of the family now since Kyle's passing. For 11 years old, he held it all together today. Keeping him and all the Busch family in my prayers. https://t.co/V8Q5xY2ILP
— Sweet Carolina (@FarmLifeof6) May 25, 2026
Brexton, at 11 years old, honoring his late father while staying strong for his grieving mother is something I’ll never forget seeing. Your dad is so proud of you. 💔
— Alex Weaver (@Al_Weave) May 24, 2026
DIVE DEEPER: Why Kyle Busch's Death Hurts So Much
In another powerfully moving moment, we saw NASCAR driver Kyle Larson's 11-year-old son, Owen, walk over to comfort his friend Brexton:
Kyle Larson's son Owen walked over to console Brexton Busch before the moment of silence. pic.twitter.com/hhaEGfaRnB
— Sports on Prime (@SportsonPrime) May 24, 2026
Brexton Busch has had to become a man way too soon. But he's handling it so far with dignity and grace. In the days, weeks, and months ahead, I pray for strength and healing for Samantha, and that both Brexton and Lennix will be able to have as normal a childhood as they can, all things considered. Judging by the response from the NASCAR community, including a lot of Kyle Busch's fellow drivers, everything is going to be done to try to make that happen. God bless them.
