Motorsports legend Kurt Busch got emotional recalling how the dreams of his late brother, Kyle Busch, were cut short after his sudden death in May.
“As fatherhood came around for him, Kyle wanted to stay active and keep racing, that way he could race against Brexton,” Kurt, 48, said in a preview of USA Network’s NASCAR: Americana docuseries, published by E! News on Thursday, August 13.
Kyle and his wife, Samantha Busch, shared son Brexton, 11, and daughter Lennix, 4. Prior to Kyle’s death, Brexton had already begun following in his dad’s racing footsteps.
“When [Brexton] races, it’s really a lot of what my dad taught Kyle and I,” Kurt said, with visible tears welling up in his eyes. “To have that moment of symbolization for Kyle and just see Brexton standing there, there’s a moment of, ‘Wow, he’s gone and we’re not going to get him back.”
Brexton has continued to race following his dad’s death, emerging victorious in the restricted micro sprint class event at Oklahoma’s Port City Raceway dirt track on July 17.
“This is his first win since Kyle’s passing,” Samantha, 40, shared via Instagram at the time. “There was a lot of emotions to say the very least. Beyond proud of him not just for winning but all that he’s navigating at a young age, beyond shattered Kyle isn’t here to be a part of this, beyond grateful for all the support and amazing people we have around us.”
Kyle died on May 21 after being found unconscious while training in a racing simulator. A death certificate exclusively obtained by Us revealed that Kyle had pneumonia for “days or weeks” before it progressed into sepsis. He was 41 years old.
Kurt, who retired from full-time racing competition in 2023, broke his silence about his brother’s death in a social media post on June 8.
“Finding a silver lining, I reflect back on the days Kyle and I raced anything we could get our hands on,” he wrote via Instagram. “From big wheels to competing on the biggest stages in motorsports, we were more than just fierce competitors. We pushed each other, challenged each other, and learned from each other.”
Kurt continued, “Kyle, your passion, determination, and love for your family inspired everyone who knew you. No trophy, championship, or accomplishment could ever measure the impact you had on my life and on so many others. I will forever be grateful for the memories we made, the lessons you taught me, and the brotherhood we shared. My heart is broken, but I know your spirit will always ride with me. Rest easy, little brother.”
Episode 2 of NASCAR: Americana — which is dedicated to Kyle’s legacy — premieres Saturday, August 15, on USA Network at 10:30 p.m. ET.
