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 terms. But it was he who made the effort for that to be possible. We did some media together also to laugh through some of the things we put each other through many years ago. Most recently we had even been discussing him running my Late Model at Wilkesboro this summer. He seemed extremely happy and we had planned to meet up next Thursday to get his seat to the shop. He laughed over the idea of his fans and JRM fans having to cheer in unison during that race.
Kyle was one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. No one can deny that. But he was also a father, a husband, brother, son, and a friend to many. My heart is broken for the Busch family. I will never be able to make sense of this loss but I am thankful that we had found a way to become friends.
Happy Birthday @brextonbusch!!! Your mom & I are so proud of who you’re turning out to be! You’re the best kid on & off the track, you amaze us every day. Keep doing what you’re doing and there is no limit to what you’ll accomplish! Love you buddy!
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 home town to race at his home tracks. he will be forever grateful for that.
from a fan, to a hater, to a competitor, to a teammate, and to even maybe a friend. i share that story because this little kid in the picture was not anywhere near the true number that you impacted for the better just through racing.
you will be deeply missed. both on the race track, but certainly off.
RIP. 🕊️
just woke up. tears in my eyes watching the footage and edits and reactions. genuinely unbelievable. so thankful that this feeling is exactly what i dreamt it would feel like.
thank you, everyone.
@CarsonHocevar You’re the best man. Never been able to find a driver to be a fan of since Dale Jr. I started following you last year man and I gotta say you were worth the wait!! #77 fan for life!