The motorsports community grieved the sudden and tragic loss of two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch on Thursday evening.
To all, Busch was a fierce competitor. To many, Busch was a mentor, especially those who came through Kyle Busch Motorsports, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team and late model program he previously owned and operated. The racing world and beyond united on social media to express their condolences to the Busch family and reminisce on their battles with the man affectionately known as “Rowdy.”
I made him earn every victory and stole a few from him along the way. We took our shots at each other, in the media and on the track. But I’d like to think that somewhere deep down there was an appreciation that we pushed each other to perform at the highest level, even if… pic.twitter.com/1dAq7Eui7D
– Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) May 22, 2026
Absolutely cannot comprehend this news. We just need to think of his family during this time. We love you KB. https://t.co/cpaXg2HZGF
– Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) May 21, 2026
I’m so sad and stunned to hear the news about KB. He meant so much to a lot of people, not just myself. Kyle was the best mentor you could ever have. He was incredibly unselfish, cared about his people and his family deeply. And helped shaped my career to what it is. I’m… pic.twitter.com/Y4VYaf5QNS
– William Byron (@WilliamByron) May 21, 2026
Completely heartbroken to hear the news of Kyle’s passing.
I have so many memories of great battles with him throughout my career that I’ll cherish forever. It’s hard to even put into words what he meant to me and my career, whether he knew it or not. He was the bar we all… pic.twitter.com/wJmFDmY7LN
– Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) May 21, 2026
every day is a privilege and today is a truly sad reminder of that.
this little boy in this picture hated you on sunday’s. but he loved to hate you, and you made it very difficult to hate and not become a fan when your passion for racing showed, when you would show up to his… pic.twitter.com/RxKignaf51
– Carson Hocevar (@CarsonHocevar) May 21, 2026
Kyle and I had a really challenging existence for many years. But we luckily took the time to figure out our differences and that was something he instigated with a conversation in his bus around how we each managed our racing teams. I was super eager for us to get on better…
– Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) May 21, 2026
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My heart goes out to Kyle’s family, his Team and everyone that knew and supported him. Kyle was a Champion, a feared competitor, a loving husband, a great dad and he’ll truly be missed, as he made a forever impact on and off the race track. Let us pray for Samantha, Brexton,… pic.twitter.com/Pxi0u4OK9o
– Joey Logano (@joeylogano) May 22, 2026
In 2015, I used to call Kyle once a week for his help and guidance as I started going to racetracks for the first time. He gave me a hand when I was brand new to this. I am in complete shock. I am thinking of his family during this incredibly difficult time.
Much love amigo 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/7XdQcxiMin– Daniel Suárez (@Daniel_SuarezG) May 21, 2026
This is a devastating loss and one that is hard for the NASCAR community to process. Kyle was a fierce competitor who demanded the very best from himself each time he put on the helmet. As teammates, I saw firsthand the passion and intensity he brought to the sport every single… pic.twitter.com/jVQLdTXcyF
– Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) May 22, 2026
Kyle Busch wasn’t just one of the fiercest competitors our sport has ever seen, he was one of the most talented race car drivers I’ve ever shared a track with. We spent years as teammates at Hendrick Motorsports, and even as competitors, there was always a deep respect for what… pic.twitter.com/uAX3o2D0Nz
– Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) May 21, 2026
Our hearts are broken for Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, and the entire Busch family. Kyle was a fierce competitor, an incredible teammate, and, far more importantly, a devoted husband, father, and son. His impact on our organization and on the sport of NASCAR will never be… pic.twitter.com/Va7PzWEseG
– Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) May 21, 2026
– John Hunter Nemechek (@JHNemechek) May 21, 2026
Kyle was not just a mentor, but also a friend. His impact on my career was significant, and I’m forever grateful to him for giving me a chance in the Truck Series over 13 years ago. He helped put me on a path in NASCAR from our first time racing each other at that 2012 Snowball… pic.twitter.com/MK0Jk8QkDm
– Erik Jones (@Erik_Jones) May 21, 2026
My first hero. The first driver I ever wanted to be like. You were bigger than life. Since I was a kid, I dreamed that one day I could be like you too. I’m just one of the many kids you gave that dream to. And I never stopped looking up to you.
My heart is with Samantha,… pic.twitter.com/kU1i3hVlGh
– jesse love jr (@jesselovejr1) May 21, 2026
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– Kevin Harvick (@KevinHarvick) May 22, 2026
I am saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Kyle Busch. He was a friend here on X. Condolences to his family. 😔
– William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) May 22, 2026
I’m a bit shell shocked at the moment..
Kyle was incredible to me and our progrum. A phenomenal hang, husband, father, and wheelman.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends..
We love you @KyleBusch.. You done good. Rest easy, man. pic.twitter.com/oAPtEJGH90
– Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 21, 2026
– Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) May 22, 2026
Man I am so shocked and sad to hear about Kyle Busch passing away. First met him when he was 20 years old. What a legend. Prayers to his family.
– Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) May 22, 2026
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🕊️🕊️🕊️ https://t.co/J98b2RLPay
– Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) May 21, 2026
– Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 21, 2026
This one is hard for me, and I’ve struggled to put into words all that’s going through my head, but I’ll try… pic.twitter.com/KIWSerVt8W
– Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) May 22, 2026
– Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) May 22, 2026
We join the rest of the sports world in mourning the tragic passing of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch.
In 2025, Kyle threw out the first pitch at MLB’s Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/dhvQDVf3eS
– MLB (@MLB) May 22, 2026
WWE is saddened to learn that legendary NASCAR driver Kyle Busch has passed away.
WWE extends its condolences to Kyle’s family, friends, and fans.https://t.co/bkFcVHMlEN pic.twitter.com/kZ9nvvZRcn
– WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2026
We are saddened by the passing of Kyle Busch.
We join the entire motorsports community in sending our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/UY7ttnRGMZ
– NHRA (@NHRA) May 21, 2026
The FIA extends its deepest condolences following the passing of Kyle Busch.
A two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the sport’s defining, generational talents, Kyle inspired many through his passion, determination and extraordinary achievements on track.
Our thoughts… pic.twitter.com/RxFwWFUL8K
– FIA (@fia) May 22, 2026
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