Kurt Busch releases first comments on brother's death

Field Level Media|published: Mon 8th June, 12:28 2026

May 8, 2022; Darlington, South Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (L) poses for a picture with his mother Gaye Busch (C) and brother Kurt Busch (R) on pit road prior to the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

NASCAR Hall of Fame member Kurt Busch released his first public comments on Monday since last month's sudden passing of younger brother Kyle Busch.

"Thank you, everyone, for the well wishes, support, & love for my brother and our family," Kurt Busch posted on X. "I reflect back on the days Kyle and I raced anything we could get our hands on. I will forever be grateful for the memories we made, the lessons you taught me, and the brotherhood we shared."

His social media post included several heartbreaking photos of the brothers together, a family shot and another of the siblings as children.

Thank you, everyone, for the well wishes, support, & love for my brother and our family. I reflect back on the days Kyle and I raced anything we could get our hands on.
I will forever be grateful for the memories we made, the lessons you taught me, and the brotherhood we shared. pic.twitter.com/LbJeubWkXW
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) June 8, 2026

Kyle Busch died May 21 at age 41 due to complications from pneumonia and sepsis. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion won a record 234 races across NASCAR's top three series: 63 in the Cup Series, 102 in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and 69 in the Craftsman Truck Series. He won a trucks race at Dover, Del., six days before his death.

Kurt Busch, 47, was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in January. The 2004 Cup Series champion recorded 34 wins in the Cup Series, including the 2017 Daytona 500.

His message followed that of his sister-in-law, Samantha Busch, who thanked people for their support following her husband's death in her first comments on Friday.

"The love that has surrounded our family during this unimaginable time has brought comfort in the middle of so much pain," she wrote on Facebook on behalf of herself and their two children. "Knowing the impact Kyle had on others and seeing how they are honoring him through each unique act of generosity is a true testament to how special Kyle is to so many people."

"From family and friends to fans and complete strangers, thank you for showing up for us. Thank you for loving our family so well," she continued.

"Thank you for loving Kyle. Thank you for honoring him."

--Field Level Media

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