The nation is in deep mourning as it honors the legacy of NASCAR icon Kyle Busch, following his unexpected and tragic passing.
In a heartfelt tribute, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein reflected on Busch’s dual legacy as both a record-breaking driver and a compassionate individual. In a statement released by the North Carolina Department of Transportation on Friday, May 22, the governor announced the lowering of all “U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to half-staff” to commemorate the beloved racer.
“Kyle Busch’s absence will resonate throughout NASCAR and far beyond,” he continued, offering sympathy to the Busch family. “Anna and I extend our sincerest condolences during this profoundly challenging time. May his legacy continue to inspire.”
Governor Stein ordered that flags be flown at half-mast from sunrise on Sunday until sunset on May 24 as a tribute to Busch, who passed away on Thursday, May 21, following a brief hospital stay due to a severe illness.
NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell has spoken publicly for the first time since Busch’s death on May 21. “Kyle Busch embodied the essence of an American badass,” he remarked to reporters. “He was the driver we all aspired to be, and reflecting on his career, [he was] […]”
“We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sports’ greatest and fiercest drivers,” the official NASCAR social media account announced via X at the time. “We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community.”
On Saturday, a rep for the Busch family confirmed the late racer’s cause of death to NBC News, telling the network that the late athlete died of pneumonia that progressed “into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications.” Busch is survived by his wife, Samantha, and his two children: son Brexton and daughter Lennix.
The same day that Busch’s cause of death was confirmed, his racing team paid a silent tribute to the athlete at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
“A silent garage pays its respect as the No. 22 @RCRacing Chevrolet unloads at @CLTMotorSpdway,” NASCAR wrote via X, alongside a video showing the late driver’s team unloading his vehicle.
The blue, white and red Chevrolet adorned with the Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen logo was unloaded in complete silence. The car’s number was changed from No. 8 to No. 33, though a small No. 8 decal was seen on the door of the vehicle.
More details about the circumstances of NASCAR driver Kyle Busch’s death have come to light. Hours before Busch died at age 41, a 911 call obtained by TMZ reveals that Busch suffered a medical emergency at a training facility in North Carolina. “I’ve got an individual that’s shortness of breath, very hot,” the caller said. […]
On Friday, NASCAR announced that the RCR team “opted to shelf the No. 8” that Busch last drove, switching to the car No. 33 for the foreseeable future. The team indicated it will reserve Busch’s No. 8 for his son “when he is ready.”
In Governor Stein’s Friday announcement, the politician urged others to honor the NASCAR driver by also lowering their flags.
“Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are also encouraged to fly flags at half-staff for the duration of time indicated,” the announcement read in part.