NASCAR Honors Kyle Busch's Family at Coca-Cola 600 as 39 Cars Carry No. 8 Tribute
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · May 24
NASCAR Honors Kyle Busch's Family at Coca-Cola 600 as 39 Cars Carry No. 8 Tribute
18 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · May 24
Steve O'Donnell told Samantha Busch and her two children before Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 that NASCAR "stands with you" and "we've got you," followed by a moment of silence at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Charlotte turned the race into a memorial for Busch, who died Thursday at 41 after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, with a black No. 8 on the frontstretch, Busch decals on all 39 cars and a missing-man formation.
The tribute continued during the race as broadcasters and the public-address system fell silent on lap 8, while the scoring pylon later displayed Busch's name, birth year and 2026 on lap 18.
Busch's death reverberated beyond NASCAR, with Indianapolis 500 teams and drivers honoring the two-time Cup champion whose record 234 wins across NASCAR's three national series made him one of racing's defining figures.
Kyle Busch won a race just six days before dying. How did a common illness turn fatal so fast?
A top athlete died from sepsis within hours. Could new NASCAR health protocols have saved Kyle Busch?
Kyle Busch’s Death at 41: NASCAR’s 234-Time Winner, Sepsis Risks, and the Enduring Impact on Racing
Overview
On May 24, 2026, the NASCAR community was struck by profound grief following the sudden loss of Kyle Busch. The Coca-Cola 600, usually a highlight of the racing season, became a somber memorial as fans, teams, and drivers gathered in sorrow to honor his legacy. Tributes poured in from across the motorsports world, recognizing Busch not only as NASCAR’s all-time leader with 234 wins but also for his fiery energy and unyielding passion for racing. This collective remembrance underscored his status as a true champion whose impact on the sport will be deeply missed.