Kyle BuschHis family continues to pay tribute to the late driver, and this time it was his father, Tom Busch‘s, turn.
Tom, 72, got behind the wheel of his son’s No. 51 car at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Tuesday, June 9, ahead of the Masters Division of the Summer Shootout. During the rush, Tom drove ahead as the other drivers formed a NASCAR “lost man” behind him. After that, they stripped, leaving Tom alone to pay his respects to his son.
Adding more meaning to the emotional moment, Kyle’s son, Braxton, an aspiring driver himself, raised the green and checkered flags as Tom completed his lap.
Kyle died on May 21 at the age of 41 after being found unresponsive in a racing simulator. Death certificate obtained by Us Weekly confirmed the statement of his family, who said he was suffering from pneumonia, progressing to sepsis.
The day before Tom’s tribute, Brexton, 11, put the thumbs down in his CookOut Summer Shootout, his first event since his father’s death. (Kyle is also survived by his wife, Samantha40, and daughter Lennix, 4.)
As Kyle continues to maintain his silence, even weeks after his death, his brother also broke his silence with a heartfelt note via Instagram on Monday, June 8.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Kurt Bush he wrote. “Thank you, everyone, for the good wishes, support, and love for my brother and our family. To find the silver lining, I remember back in the days when Kyle and I chased anything we could get our hands on. From big wheels to racing in the big car classes, we were more than fierce rivals. We pushed each other, challenged each other, and learned from each other.”
He continued, “Kyle, your love, determination, and love for your family inspired everyone who knew you. No trophy, championship, or achievement can ever measure the impact you had on my life and so many others. I will always 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.”
Samantha shared similar sentiments in her first Instagram post after Kyle’s death, posted on Friday, June 5.
“As a family, we wanted to take a moment to give thanks,” he wrote. “Prayers, messages, flowers, food, hugs, and countless acts of kindness have gotten us through the saddest days of our lives.” Although our hearts are completely broken, we have felt God’s presence and arms wrapped tightly around each of you.”
Samantha added that the “love” from the community has brought her and her family comfort.
“Knowing the impact Kyle has had on others and seeing how they honor him with each unique act of giving is a true testament to how special Kyle is to so many people,” he added. “There are times when the weight of this loss feels impossible, but often God, through all of you, has shown us that we are not alone.”
