The saga of Kyle Bush.

I’m sitting here remembering a video viewed years ago, which gave my Kyle angst serious pause. It was made while he, Samantha and Brexton were shopping somewhere. Bret was a little guy then, and Kyle placed him into a large display of play balls, which he sank into. It was fun seeing them having such fun, just a dad and his kid.

Kyle and Samantha grew as a couple, as a family, and in their faith. Rowdy never lost his competitor’s sharp edge, but he evolved as a man. I was always touched how Samantha would gather him and their kids together for prayer just before Kyle entered his race car. His dedicated involvement with his son’s emerging racing career, the planning they were doing on his timeline, demonstrated Kyle’s deep love for him.

The family will need and receive a lot of help and support from their friends, church and racing community. They will need it. Everyone please say a prayer tonight for them. The first night without your spouse/father/brother/child is among the hardest. Been there done that. Blessings to them all for comfort and peace during this tragic time.
 
Conover said:
I’m sitting here remembering a video viewed years ago, which gave my Kyle angst serious pause. It was made while he, Samantha and Brexton were shopping somewhere. Bret was a little guy then, and Kyle placed him into a large display of play balls, which he sank into. It was fun seeing them having such fun, just a dad and his kid.

Kyle and Samantha grew as a couple, as a family, and in their faith. Rowdy never lost his competitor’s sharp edge, but he evolved as a man. I was always touched how Samantha would gather him and their kids together for prayer just before Kyle entered his race car. His dedicated involvement with his son’s emerging racing career, the planning they were doing on his timeline, demonstrated Kyle’s deep love for him.

The family will need and receive a lot of help and support from their friends, church and racing community. They will need it. Everyone please say a prayer tonight for them. The first night without your spouse/father/brother/child is among the hardest. Been there done that. Blessings to them all for comfort and peace during this tragic time.
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Amen.
 
No words just a lot of emotions running thru my veins right now, I just don't understand this world anymore, who stays who goes, got the text and thought it wasn't real because how could it be? Been on the verge of tears a handful of times, just sitting here staring off into space for the past couple hours smh hands on hips in the middle of the room.

This is a really tough loss to take right now, I'll see you in the sky someday my friend, you're part of the reason why I started watching nascar.

Extreme sadness extreme shock. My thoughts go out to the entire Busch family at this time.
 
Lee White introduced me to Kyle in 2011. One of the biggest moments of my life. Both of those guys treated me like I was the famous dude. Now, they are gone. I am numb. Doesn't make sense. Part of me doesn't care about this weekend....part of me cares even more. Just doesn't make sense.
 
I'm honestly still trying to wrap my mind around it tbh.

Honestly, one of my favorite things about Kyle in his prime, is that when my favorites could beat him in a race for the win. I knew I just saw them beat one of the best. He made my drivers have to step up their game. It's going to be so weird not seeing him out there ever again. First Ballot Hall of Famer through and through. R.I.P
 
NASCAR just lost a pillar of the industry. He was the measuring stick. To be the best, you had to beat Kyle Busch. Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. For 20 years that name was synonymous with success. Probably the greatest pure talent outside of Earnhardt that I’ve ever seen drive a race vehicle of any type. His fiery personality and antics and wheelman heroics defined a generation for this industry. A villain people loved to hate and boo, and a hero who only got more popular as he grew up.

Half the Cup garage came up through KBM in the Truck Series. Because he was so polarizing, Kyle didn’t get the credit he probably deserved for what he did for the sport and the things he did behind the scenes.

We lost a legend. This truly completely sucks.
 
Blaze said:
I'm honestly still trying to wrap my mind around it tbh.

Honestly, one of my favorite things about Kyle in his prime, is that when my favorites could beat him in a race for the win. I knew I just saw them beat one of the best. He made my drivers have to step up their game. It's going to be so weird not seeing him out there ever again. First Ballot Hall of Famer through and through. R.I.P
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He's won damn near every race I've ever been to. I went to Bristol (either spring or fall or both) I think 4 years in a row. Kyle won 3 of them. The only other one was a rain delay and a Monday race I had to come back home for, which Harvick won. I remember once I want to say in 2017 (maybe 18) he won and damn near EVERYONE booed and was so pissed I didn't think we were going to make it out without a riot. I think it was the "Kyle Busch is an ass" race from Brad. Great times though.

I think other than that the last race I was at that he DIDNT win was way back in 2001 at the 600.
 
hmmm298 said:
He's won damn near every race I've ever been to. I went to Bristol (either spring or fall or both) I think 4 years in a row. Kyle won 3 of them. The only other one was a rain delay and a Monday race I had to come back home for, which Harvick won. I remember once I want to say in 2017 (maybe 18) he won and damn near EVERYONE booed and was so pissed I didn't think we were going to make it out without a riot. I think it was the "Kyle Busch is an ass" race from Brad. Great times though.

I think other than that the last race I was at that he DIDNT win was way back in 2001 at the 600.
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He won every single Truck Race at Atlanta I went to. One of those being that great 4 truck battle where some of them crashed coming to the end haha. That was a wild one.
 
I am constantly thinking about the passing of Kyle Busch, as someone who never met him or was even in the same room with him. The thoughts about him and his family are persistent enough to be writing this post at 3:30 am, but it is nothing compared to what they are facing.

Samantha has a following and a lot of interest, but I think it is fair to say she built her life around Kyle and his racing career. As far as I know, she was always there at the track beside him; that alone speaks for itself. The schedule alone was a tremendous commitment, and now that part of her life and so much more is forever changed.

Many well intended people are thinking about Brexton and his future. He will probably be a racer all his life, and there is a place for those natural concerns and the opportunities. But right now he is just an 11 year old that lost his dad and he would do anything just to be able to talk with his dad one more time. He will be missing his dad for the rest of his life. The love of racing will remain but it will be bittersweet. Hopefully it will turn into a lot of good cherished memories to build upon including some of the treasured things Kyle taught him.

How does a four year old cope with losing a dad?

I can remember working away from my home state for the first time as a young man. Just hearing my dad's voice for the first time on the phone made me realize how much I missed him, and I literally cried. I know that is nothing and a pathetic example when compared to what his family has lost forever. It has to be unimaginable.
 
Total shock! I didn't even know whats to say or do when first seeing the headline. I wondered if there was someone else named
Kyle Busch in NASCAR.

I remember in a recent race he asked for a doctor but said it could wait till after the race. Now this...damn! How does the sport even begin to cope with this. And how does his family as well.

Thanks for all of the exciting years of NASCAR racing Kyle. RIP and Godspeed. Best wishes and condolences to Samantha and the kids.

www.nbcnews.com

Kyle Busch, 2-time NASCAR champion, dies at 41 after illness

Busch’s family said earlier Thursday that he was being treated in a hospital with a severe illness.
www.nbcnews.com www.nbcnews.com

>>...“We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch,” NASCAR said on X, remembering him as “one of our sport’s greatest and fiercest drivers.”

“We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community,” NASCAR said.

>>...“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,” the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR said in a joint statement. “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.”

“His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation,’” the statement continued. “NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon...”<<
 
Just saw a Morgan and Morgan commercial I’ve never seen before with Kyle, Samantha, and Brexton. You’d think they’d pull those commercials but they are the despicable ambulance chasing attorneys so no surprise.
 
Ford 222 said:
Just saw a Morgan and Morgan commercial I’ve never seen before with Kyle, Samantha, and Brexton. You’d think they’d pull those commercials but they are the despicable ambulance chasing attorneys so no surprise.
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It's been less than 24 hours, and the announcement came after normal work hours. Any company that advertises needs time to react, as does the broadcaster.
 
Still feel gut punched over this - just such a shock. I can't believe he literally won a race a week ago and now he's gone. I can't think about Samantha and the kids, it's just too much.

My memories about Kyle Busch - apart from him being simply the best stock car driver in a period that lasted quite a long time, something that we all know is true - go back to the beginning of his Cup career. I was a Terry Labonte fan, I loved that 5 car. When Terry was out of the 5, this hot shot kid steps into it and I was on-board. Let's stick with the 5 and go racing! He was just brimming with talent, it was a lot of fun for years. I didn't mind some of the hot-headedness, he was a young colt not yet broken. Then he went to the 18, which was also a natural fit for me b/c everyone who was a Terry Labonte fan was also a Bobby Labonte fan . . . so 5 to 18 was cool.

I'll never forget being at the Richmond night race in 2008. I'm there with my Kellogg's Kyle Busch hat on and having a good time hanging out with the folks around me - most of whom were Dale Jr. fans. I loved Dale Jr. too (was always a fan of Dale's and when I finally decided I didn't want to be a KB fan anymore, Dale was my driver) and was enjoying the two of them battling for the lead in the late laps. And then - they get together, and it's basically Kyle's fault. Everyone around turns to me with hate in their eyes. I'm like "Whoa, that was a racing deal! He got loose!" A bunch of them literally packed up and left the track. The group conversations about the race ended at that point. We were all getting along having a great time - and then we weren't.

That's when the boo's really started and I think it's when Kyle decided he would really embrace the role of the sport's villain. I think he enjoyed a lot of that, it fit with his personality and racing style, and he was confident enough in himself and his talents not be bothered by it. The sport needs that. The sport is more dynamic when we have those different roles - and if we're really honest with ourselves, some of the sport's very best (DW, Dale Sr. Kyle) had times in their career when a large segment of race fans didn't like them because they were c-ocky, uncouth, disrespectful. And when the villain is really, really good - it just makes the whole thing that much more entertaining.

RIP Kyle. Thank you for everything you gave to us.
 
Evidence of Kyle's absolute talent was when he went off on Toyota in Dover in 2008 on the radio. He insulted the brand in a big way. Lee White had to drop the hammer on Kyle, and certainly did just that. Both of those guys going head to head would have been a sight to see, but the reality was Lee knew what he had, and Kyle knew that he was in the right place. His talent was undeniable, and Toyota had to make it right with him. Had they not, they would not be where they are. Kyle was critical to Toyota's success, and I will be forever grateful to him for that.
 
I’ve been struggling with this news since yesterday, I figured this is a good place to go because we’re all racing nuts through actually doing it at a high level, to racing at your local short tracks or like me, tuning in each week from your couch or if you’re lucky enough going to a race. We all caught the bug in some way shape or form, I caught mine via my dad watching him root for Dale Earnhardt in the late 80’s are some of my earliest childhood memories. So driving home from work yesterday, my sister in law texted me about the news it popped up on my phone “Kyle Busch died”. I’m like what? I had to actually pull over on the high way to open my phone and investigate it real quick. It was true. My heart instantly broke, I didn’t cry was close but it ruined my day and probably the next few days. You get lessons in life every now and then that life is cruel. I’m 41, father of two like Kyle…I’m sure there will be many more lessons unfortunately.

I never met Kyle but you know, you watch these people race each week and they become apart of your weekly routine, it’s just jarring when something upsets that routine. Selfish? Yes…but you look forward to seeing these drivers each week because it’s a respite from your own life for a few hours and in a weird way you feel like you get to know them in a way. I’ve been watching Kyle racing since he was 16. I was at his first NASCAR’ sanctioned race, at Chicago Motor Speedway in Cicero, not the one you’re thinking of in Joliet. So I’ve seen this driver’s career progress from kid to legend in the sport as my own life was progressing, you feel in a small small way you’re apart of his journey.

Kyle and I are the same age, we’re both dads. I can’t imagine what his family is going through, i can’t imagine his son growing up without his dad. I can’t imagine my sons growing up without me…it’s my worst fear. Leaving them behind and having absolutely no say in it. I don’t want to make this about me, I’m just some fan but my heart aches for his children while making me hug mine just a little tighter. There’s that lesson again: mortality….its just so damn fragile. I just want to give his children the biggest hugs and say I’m sorry. Hug your loved ones always.

Also thinking about RC as well, he’s been through some $hit in his time as a car owner. It’s horrible he has to go through all this all over again after 2001. Different circumstances sure, but losing a driver like this is never easy. RC and the Childress organization are strong, my heart goes out to them.

I feel awful Kyle is gone, I used to say on here “Kyle Busch was worth the price of a ticket…the best in the biz.” I truly STILL feel like that despite his struggles, you just kept waiting for him run upfront again like it was 2008. One win would turn into two then three and before you knew it those post race bows would turn into a championship run.

I really have no one to grieve this with, I don’t post as much here anymore because being a dad, running a business through this shaky economy, being a husband and whatever else I’m too overwhelmed to mention, has taken up my time now so I feel a little cheap posting here about my grief over this news. I feel I haven’t put in the time enough to bare my feelings here. I know it’s stupid feeling that really but things like this make us all question our own mortality, shakes us to our core. I’m just so numb to this news, it’s unbelievable really. Apologies for the rant, this was all over the place. I don’t think I’ll be watching this weekend, I don’t know for how long. This news kinda broke my fandom…I think I now know what people meant when they said “I stopped watching when Dale died”. I hope we can all lean on each other a bit as we go through this process. This news has been so unbelievable, unexpected and unfortunate, I don’t think I’ll ever begin to believe it.
 
A message to @Jorge De Guzman and all who are struggling with this tragedy; it’s absolutely OK to feel these deep emotions and reactions, and reflect on how the power of sudden tragedy can impact our own lives. The sadness for Kyle’s family can feel overwhelming, because we can imagine how our own family would be affected. Grieving takes time, and there is no playbook or time limit. We relate because we are fans of this sport, of these drivers. We vicariously get to know their families through the extended view into their lives.

We ache for Samantha; now a widow, faced with losing the love of her life, being a solo parent trying to help her kids navigate their grief while her’s is enormous. We ache for Brexton knowing his dad was also his racing mentor, guide and biggest supporter. And for a precious 4 year old who is suddenly without her loving papa.

I was 11 when my dad died suddenly. Different of course, but the impacts to my Mom, sister and I were just as real. This tragedy carries me back to that time. I see messages posted to Brexton’s FB account from well intentioned people, telling him to be strong for his mama and carry on the tradition, etc. Trust me, Brexton needs none of that right now. He needs the loving support he will get from his family, extended family, best friends. They all do.

Grieve…cry…hurt…let it out everyone. And honor the memory of a great racer, loving husband and father.
 
What I really, really appreciated about Kyle Busch might just be one of the exact things that put fans off as recently as the Dover Truck race.

Kyle Busch was in love with his craft from the start. As it’s already been said, as long as it had wheels he would race it. Now as for how that relates to me - I personally love and engage with art, music, graphic design, and video-editing - but racing has been a passion of mine right alongside those since I was a kid and I’d still jump given the chance to get behind the wheel of a racecar. So I think I identified with Busch’s prolific racing activities. He didn’t shy away from any opportunity to get behind the wheel no matter the series. Getting behind the wheel for three races in one weekend time and again is no doubt physically demanding, but he didn’t shy away from it. He was the one who did it the most. Of course, it goes without saying - it was all that much more fun seeing how good he was at every level. So in saying that, if I was in his shoes, heck I would be seeking out O’Reilly and Truck rides alongside Cup activities too. Not to mention we got to see him participate in the Race of Champions and other non-NASCAR sanctioned events as well. I appreciated how vicarious he was about racing, to the point that he can take credit for being instrumental in getting a considerable number of drivers to where they are now.

Thank you Kyle Busch.
 
Conover said:
A message to @Jorge De Guzman and all who are struggling with this tragedy; it’s absolutely OK to feel these deep emotions and reactions, and reflect on how the power of sudden tragedy can impact our own lives. The sadness for Kyle’s family can feel overwhelming, because we can imagine how our own family would be affected. Grieving takes time, and there is no playbook or time limit. We relate because we are fans of this sport, of these drivers. We vicariously get to know their families through the extended view into their lives.

We ache for Samantha; now a widow, faced with losing the love of her life, being a solo parent trying to help her kids navigate their grief while her’s is enormous. We ache for Brexton knowing his dad was also his racing mentor, guide and biggest supporter. And for a precious 4 year old who is suddenly without her loving papa.

I was 11 when my dad died suddenly. Different of course, but the impacts to my Mom, sister and I were just as real. This tragedy carries me back to that time. I see messages posted to Brexton’s FB account from well intentioned people, telling him to be strong for his mama and carry on the tradition, etc. Trust me, Brexton needs none of that right now. He needs the loving support he will get from his family, extended family, best friends. They all do.

Grieve…cry…hurt…let it out everyone. And honor the memory of a great racer, loving husband and father.
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This is how I feel too. I saw the news about the hospitalization, and didnt have a good feeling. But I didnt expect this. Shortly after work, I got the exact same message @Jorge De Guzman got. The exact same text message and was in shock. Cried a bit, and still in shock.

You are right. It's okay to let these feelings exist. It's okay to also not dwell, ruminate and obsess over his passing, and let the feelings be passengers as we try to return to, and attend to our lives with an aching heart. It's okay to still seek the joy and value in our own lives during this time - it isn't a disservice to Kyle.

We arent going through what Samantha and their children are going through and will never have the experience they are having. I can only hope the clear love that is pouring out to them will swell their hearts.

My relationship with Kyle Busch as a driver always confused me. I hated him winning, I thought he was a sour competitor (still do, but that's okay), respected his talent, but never really hated him because I thought he was just so so funny.

Kyle is one of the 10 best to ever do it, but he is one of the GOAT personalities who's presence and energy just makes NASCAR a better thing. The sport wont be the same without him.


And to the people who are really overwhelmed, it is okay to stop thinking about it and take a break. It is okay to do nothing with the thoughts and feelings.

No one grieves the same way, just be mindful about letting your heart do what it needs to do.
 
Class Act from RCR.
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