NASCAR joined the family of star driver Kyle Busch during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway for a heartfelt memorial service for Busch on Sunday, three days after his passing.
This was the first time the Busch family was seen in public since Busch died at age 41 on Thursday.
Family, NASCAR officials, drivers and others gathered on pit road for an emotional pre-race tribute in memory of the driver’s life, according to Fox News.
In attendance were Busch team owner Richard Childress; brother Kurt Busch; Kyle’s wife, Samantha; and his son, Brexton, as NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell directed a bagpiper to perform Amazing Grace. Those present also bowed their heads and observed a moment of silence.
“Every racetrack was Kyle Busch’s home. He competed as if he had something to prove in every race, when in fact he had already proven it all,” O’Donnell said. “What I think we’ll miss the most is not the wins. It’s the guy who quietly wanted to help a teammate, give him some advice, the husband, the father, the guy who quietly did things for others when no one was looking.”
The cause of death of driver number 8 was confirmed by the family on Saturday. It appears he died of severe pneumonia that turned into sepsis, the family said in a statement.
“The medical evaluation provided to the Busch family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed to sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications,” the Busch family statement read. “The Family asks for your continued understanding and privacy during this difficult time.”
Busch was rushed to the hospital Thursday afternoon, a day after being found temporarily unconscious inside a racing simulator. However, on Thursday he began coughing up blood and felt dizzy, according to reports. That same day he died in the hospital.
Busch’s No. 8 car will reportedly be retired until his 11-year-old son, Brexton, decides to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Richard Childress Racing (RCR), the team for which Busch drove, announced Friday that it would reserve the No. 8 for when the late superstar’s son is ready to get behind the wheel.
“Richard Childress Racing has been elected to discontinue use of the No. 8 and will use the No. 33 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and beyond,” RCR wrote on social media. “Kyle Busch was instrumental in the design of RCR’s stylized No. 8, and it has become synonymous with Kyle and an important symbol for his fans and the NASCAR industry. No one can take it to the level he achieved. The No. 8 is reserved and ready for Brexton Busch when he is ready to compete in NASCAR.”
Busch is survived by his wife, Samantha, his 11-year-old son, Brexton, and his 4-year-old daughter, Lennix.
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