The NASCAR community is waking up this morning (Friday, May 22) still in disbelief and shock over the loss of two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch, who passed away Thursday at the age of 41.
Throughout the evening and overnight hours, tributes have continued to pour in from around the globe—from people in the motorsports sector, to sports, politics, and those who admired Busch’s raw talent and magnetism.
Some fans in the North Carolina area have gathered at the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) Museum in Welcome, North Carolina, to leave flowers and trinkets while paying tribute to Busch, while others have gone online to the Bundle of Joy Fund — the charity founded by Kyle and Samantha Busch to help couples dealing with fertility issues — and flooded the site with donations in his honor.
On Friday, Austin Dillon, Busch’s teammate at Richard Childress Racing, the grandson of team owner Richard Childress, and the person responsible for making the phone call that landed Busch in the No. 8, penned a heartfelt letter to his late teammate that will almost certainly make you shed a tear.
Dear KB,
I’ll start at the beginning. I grew up watching a larger-than-life figure drive race cars like he was born to do it. Dale [Earnhardt] was a superhero in my house and when he passed, his legend only grew. The bar was set high from a young age.
Growing up around my grandfather and watching him hold Dale in such high regards as a driver, friend, and competitor, I never thought anyone else could compare. It was plain and simple. There was Dale, and then there was everyone else.
I grew up around some great drivers who came through RCR, including Hall of Fame drivers. But, during that time, there was one guy on another team, and we all knew that when he showed up, we were fighting for second place.
It was clear every race who had the most talent and who hated to lose the most. For obvious reasons, my family was never the biggest fan of this guy. He was the enemy at the time, and he was hard to beat. I could never really show my fandom, but secretly I was a fan.
My Grandpa really hated losing to this guy, but I know he respected him. This guy literally owned the Truck Series. When he showed up, it was a good day if you finished second. As a driver, if you beat him, your truck was probably faster, so you never truly beat him, your team did. So, did anyone ever really beat him? I don’t know, but it felt dang good if you did because you felt like you accomplished something that day.
Moving from Friday to Saturday, well yeah, he owned Saturdays, too. At times, he looked like he was in a Cup car racing on Saturday. His intensity every lap and willingness to make any move inspired a generation of racecar drivers.
His Rowdy restarts were one of a kind. This guy could fire off faster than everyone and by the time his tires were shot it was time to pit. Once again, if you beat him, you really were doing something. It was almost an instant qualification that you might be a race car driver.
He loved racing so much that he decided to build his town race team while he drove. I had gained enough respect from him that he offered me the chance to drive for his new team. I was blown away that he had enough respect for me to offer me a ride. Admittedly, it didn’t go over so well with my Grandpa (and I’m not so sure that isn’t why he took off his watch that one time).
Throughout the years, I was able to compete against the guy at the Cup level where he won multiple championships and races. During that time frame, I had multiple different teammates each bringing something different to the table.
When you became available in 2023 it was a no-brainer that we had to go after you. When I made the call, your response was hilarious. You asked, ‘Do you think your Grandpa would want me?’ I had already checked with my Grandpa, and his response was the same as yours, ‘Do you think he would want to come to RCR?’ I said ‘Yes. You both are the same people. You are RACERS.’
When we got closer to signing, I could tell how excited my grandpa was. I started hearing things like ‘He’s the only guy I’ve ever seen drive like Dale. He takes no prisoners.’ That made me happy, knowing my grandpa had a driver that got him fired up the way Dale did.
As we started off your first season with RCR, you took off like you always did. You drove right to the front. But this time, you were in our car. You became family. I watched you work, push, prod, and bring instant success to RCR.
Your mentality and mindset rubbed off on those around you, and the employees in the shop. They knew that you brought a standard of excellence. It wasn’t always roses. This wins got harder to come by, but the grind and mentality never changed.
I watched you battle with our race cars and spend countless hours in the sim trying to get results. I was most inspired by your fight when things got to their lowest. You stood your ground. People were talking, but they didn’t know the work that was being put in behind the scenes. That version of KB is the one I am most proud of. The one that was going to put us back where we wanted to be – in the Winner’s Circle.
I can’t thank you enough KB. You are the ultimate racer and my favorite teammate and driver of all-time. I always felt like I had your back and you had mine.
My favorite conversations with you were our conversations about Brexton and his abilities on the race track. I know how happy and excited he made you. You raised one of the nicest, well-mannered kids, and that is a direct reflection of his parents. Sam is one strong woman and the best MOMager in the business. I promise to always be there for Sam, Brex, and Lennix. They are RCR family for life.
I love you brother. Myself and all of the RCR employees will keep fighting and striving for more victories in your memory.
Proverbs 3:5
The NASCAR Cup Series will roll on this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, but will no question be doing so with heavy hearts, as the sport mourns one of its biggest and most unexpected losses of the 21st century.
Photo: Meg Oliphant, Getty Images
