The NASCAR and IndyCar communities mourn the death of champion Kyle Busch, and drivers share personal stories.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NASCAR and IndyCar drivers react after two championship wins Kyle Busch dies Thursday.
Coca-Cola 600 racers’ cars were covered in stickers honoring the racing legend on Friday. Bush was planning to compete until he suddenly fell ill. Austin Hill was announced as his replacement before news of the 41-year-old Bush’s death broke.
At Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where Busch won the Brickyard 400 in 2015 and 2016, drivers preparing for the Indy 500 told heartwarming stories about Busch.
Katherine Legg talks about how Busch and his wife have made a real impact since joining the sport.
“I’m blown away by Sam and the kids. He and Samantha have been two of the best riders to me and welcomed me into the series. A lot of the riders didn’t even say hello, but they took the time to get to know me and give me some help and advice and I consider them friends now,” Legg said.
She went on to talk about how emotional the loss was.
“Honestly, in my opinion, racing has lost one of its greatest drivers of all time,” Legg said. “If you look back historically, he’s a legend and I think it caused a lot of shock because he was so young and so healthy, so it was almost unbelievable, like it just made people realize how unfair life is.”
For Kyle Kirkwood, meeting Busch as a child inspired his racing career.
“My second race was Texas Motor Speedway. I think it was probably 2006, and that’s where I got (Kyle Busch’s) autograph,” Kirkwood said. “That was the first professional racer I think I ever met, from any form of motorsport, and I remember getting that autograph and over the years, to this day, I still wear that hat. I still have it and the trophy in my house, but I remember that moment that really got me interested in racing and I think it was one of those moments that I will never wash my hands of again.”
Joseph Newgarden said he didn’t know Busch well but admired his skills as a race car driver. His thoughts are with Bush’s family.
Newgarden said: “It’s a sad day for motorsport, losing one of its finest drivers, but my sympathy and affection goes out to his family and I hope their community can rally around the boys. That’s what ultimately matters.”
family Greg BeaverThe former NASCAR driver died in a plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina, last December. He and his wife, son and daughter released a statement on Facebook recalling their friendship with Busch and offering their condolences to his family
“Kyle Busch’s death is difficult to comprehend. First and foremost, our prayers go out to Sam, Braxton, Lennix, Guy, Tom and Kurt. Five months ago they stood with us in our grief, held our hands at the funeral and continued to offer support and love. Such a loss is unimaginable for any family and our hearts aches for them.
Kyle was larger than life – iconic, fiercely competitive and a great friend to Greg. They often rely on each other, not only in competition, but also in life and personal challenges. Greg and Kyle spent time together at Glamis during the offseason, loved watching their boys together, and always looked to the future with excitement and pride.
It’s hard to imagine our racing community without Kyle. The impact of this loss will extend far beyond the track. We love the Busch family and will help them in any way they need. “
For more on the driver’s reaction after learning of Bush’s death, Click here.
