Kyle Busch's wife 'beyond shattered' NASCAR legend is not alive to see their son's race win
Kyle and Samantha Busch's son, Brexton, has had his "first win" since the legendary NASCAR driver died on May 21.
Kyle Busch's wife Samantha Busch is "beyond shattered" that the NASCAR legend is not alive to see their son's race win at Oklahoma’s Port City Raceway dirt track.
Brexton, 11, competed in multiple divisions during an event, but claimed victory in the restricted micro sprint class event, using a car owned by his late dad, who died from "severe pneumonia", which "progressed into sepsis", on May 21 at the age of 41.
But the joy of winning was tinged with sadness as Samantha - who also has daughter Lennix, four, with her late husband - said it was the youngster's "first win since Kyle’s passing".
On Friday (17.07.26), she took to her Instagram Stories and posted a shot of Brexton standing on top of the green number 18 vehicle holding a chequered flag, and added in her caption: "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. (sic)"
In another Instagram Stories post, Samantha typed: "6 to 1 in outlaw heat driving Dad’s car", over a video of Brexton and his competitors zooming around Oklahoma’s Port City Raceway dirt track in their vehicles.
And in a third Instagram Stories upload, she posted a clip of micro sprint driver Frank Flud and Brexton chatting, as she shared being "grateful for all the drivers who have coached, encouraged and supported Brexton thru all this" (sic).
In a separate Instagram Stories post, Samantha shared a video of Brexton and his competitors driving around the track, and expressed her joy in her son's victory,
Samantha wrote: "In restricted Brexton started p14, huge wreck lap one started in the back p12. Made his way thru the field.
"And he ended up with the WIN!!!! (sic)"
The 2015 and 2019 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle died on May 21 at the age of 41 after being hospitalised with a severe illness.
His family revealed his cause of death in a statement, shared by Dakota Hunter, the vice president of Kyle Busch Companies.
It read: "The medical evaluation provided to the Busch Family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications."
It was previously revealed Kyle collapsed in a Chevrolet simulator, with audio from a 911 call heard by Fox News and OutKick revealing someone had rang in to advise he was "coughing up some blood" and experiencing a shortness of breath during a training session.
It was also noted Kyle had been battling a sinus cold, which was worsened by the intense G-forces and elevation changes at the Watkins Glen course in New York in May.
Kyle's death was announced just hours after his family revealed he had been taken to hospital.
A statement from NASCAR, the Busch family and his Richard Childress Racing team read: "On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch.
"Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch. A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled, and he cared deeply about the sport and fans.
"Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR’s highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series.
"His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal 'Rowdy Nation'."
The statement concluded: "Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha’s parents, Kurt and all of Kyle’s family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans.
"NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon."
