The NASCAR community is still reeling over the death of Kyle Busch, including his older brother and fellow racecar driver Kurt Busch. The Busch family lost Kyle suddenly on May 21 after a severe case of pneumonia worsened.
Kurt’s first public comments since his brother’s death came this week during an appearance on NBC’s “Today.” The emotional interview gives some insight into the traumatic experience for the Busch family.
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“I was at the hospital, I was there all day, hoping, praying, hoping for a turnaround,” Busch said during “Today” show Friday. “I said, ‘I got you man. Come on, I got you. I got you. Come on, be strong.'”
The Busch brothers’ NASCAR careers span several decades, including various championships. Kurt received entry into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2026, joining the exclusive group of 70 drivers and other members.
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Kyle Busch’s legacy remembered
NASCAR: FireKeepers Casino 400
NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin raises a flag to honor the late Kyle Busch at the FireKeepers Casino 400 NASCAR Cup Series race. Mandatory Credit: Paul Barnick-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
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Kurt and Kyle’s bond on the race track certainly expanded into other areas of their lives. The eldest Busch delivered many heartfelt words about their bond.
“Him and I were carbon copies of each other. We could speak on track without saying a word,” Kurt Busch said. “I miss the words we never spoke to each other, and the vibe that we had on track.”
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The younger Busch is one of the most decorated drivers in NASCAR history. He boasts the most combined wins across all three of the sport’s main race divisions at 234 races.
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