Samantha Busch, the wife of the late Kyle Busch, and their two children, Brexton and Lennix Busch, are in attendance for Saturday’s Bass Pro Shops Night Race, as the M&M’s colors return to the racetrack via Ty Gibbs and the No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry XSE.
For the first time since her husband’s passing in May, Samantha addressed the public in-person, speaking to the crowd at Bristol Motor Speedway before Saturday’s event.
“Bristol was always so special to Kyle. He loved racing under the lights, the energy of this place, and most of all, you, the fans.
“For 20 years, this sport was our life. It’s where we raised our babies and made some of our very best memories. I never imagined we’d be standing here without him.
“But looking out at all of you reminds me that we aren’t walking this alone. You celebrated his wins. You stood by him on the hard days, and yeah, plenty of you guys booed him as well.
“But whether you knew him as Kyle, the “Candyman,” “Rowdy” or simply your favorite driver, there was no Rowdy without you guys.
“Since we lost him, this racing community has embraced Brexton, Lennix and I, and we are so grateful for all of you.
“Kyle’s legacy is so much bigger than wins and championships. It lives on in the drivers that he mentored, the fans that he connected with, and most of all, the incredible father and husband that he was to us.
“Seeing these iconic M&M’s colors back under the Bristol lights tonight feels like a part of him is still here with us. So when Lap 18 comes around, grab those towels and wave them high.
“Let’s show Kyle that Bristol will always have a special place in its heart for the one and only Rowdy.”
Samantha, Brexton, and Lennix will continue to watch the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, rooting for Ty Gibbs and hoping that the 23-year-old driver can bring the M&M’s colors back to Victory Lane one more time for Kyle Busch.
