Kyle Busch remained on the hearts and minds of many during a busy motorsports weekend.
Busch died on May 21 after a brief visit to the hospital. It was announced that the driver had severe pneumonia.
Busch’s family was surrounded by drivers and team owners during a heartfelt ceremony Sunday, May 24 at the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte.
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The race also honored Busch, who drove the No. 8 car for Richard Childress Racing, during the 8th lap while fans in the crowd held up eight fingers. The broadcast remained silent during the lap.
Busch was tied with Zane Smith for 24th in the Cup Series standings with 217 points. It remains unclear what decision will be made regarding his spot in the Series for the remainder of the season.
Daniel Suárez, who won a weather-shortened Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, dedicated his win to Busch.
USA TODAY SPORTS has the latest news regarding Busch:
This moment with Kyle Busch’s family will melt your heart
As Samantha Busch was being consoled on the Charlotte Motor Speedway infield following an emotional tribute to Kyle Busch by NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell, she had her 11-year-old son Brexton by her side.
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In a heartwarming moment, Owen Larson, the son of two-time NASCAR champion Kyle Larson walked over to Brexton to lend his fellow racing kid support.
Bring tissues.
Amazon Prime broadcast of Coca-Cola 600 goes silent on lap No. 8 to honor Kyle Busch
The Coca-Cola 600 marks the first race of the 2026 NASCAR season to be broadcast by Amazon Prime. On lap No. 8, the broadcast went silent to honor the late Kyle Busch.
Busch had driven the No. 8 Chevrolet since joining Richard Childress Racing in 2023. He previously drove the No. 18 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, where he won two Cup Series championships, and started his career in the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. — Mitchell Northam
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Kyle Busch honored with ‘missing man’ formation to start Coca-Cola 600
NASCAR continued to pay tribute to the late Kyle Busch as the Coca-Cola 600 got underway on Sunday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. During the opening pace laps, drivers left a spot open for Busch’s car and used a “missing man” formation.
Kyle Busch’s family attends Coca-Cola 600 in emotional scene on Charlotte infield
It was an emotional scene on the infield of Charlotte Motor Speedway when Kyle Busch’s parents, Tom and Gaye, and older brother, NASCAR Hall of Famer Kurt Busch, walked out to the No. 8 engraved on the grass. But it became even more gut-wrenching when Kyle Busch’s wife Samantha emerged with their 11-year-old son Brexton and Busch’s NASCAR team owner Richard Childress. Samantha Busch broke down in tears and embraced Brexton as NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell spoke about the impact of Kyle Busch on NASCAR.
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“Samantha, I want you to know that this sport stands with you, and you and your children are NASCAR family forever, Brexton and Lennix, your dad loves you with all his heart. Everyone gathered here, everyone behind you, everyone watching on TV and all those people up in that grandstand, they are your family and we’ve got you,” O’Donnell said during a speech that was broadcasted throughout the speedway and on the Prime Video broadcast. — Ellen Horrow
Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Denny Hamlin remember their friend Kyle Busch
Denny Hamlin and Dale Earnhardt spoke eloquently about their friend and fellow competitor Kyle Busch ahead of the Coca-Cola 600, remembering one of the best driver’s in NASCAR history.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kyle Busch tributes at Indy 500, NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 500
