Family of Kyle Busch Issues First Statements Since His Death

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The family of Kyle Busch issued their first statements since the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion's May 21 passing. 

Samantha Busch, Kyle's widow and the mother to their two children, Brexton and Lennix, issued the first statement Friday:

"As a family, we wanted to take a moment to say thank you. The prayers, messages, flowers, meals, hugs and countless acts of kindness have carried us through the most heartbreaking days of our lives. While our hearts are absolutely shattered, we have felt God’s presence and arms wrapped tightly around us through each and every one of you.

The love that has surrounded our family during this unimaginable time has brought comfort in the middle of so much pain. 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. There are moments when the weight of this loss feels impossible to carry, yet time and time again God, through you all, has shown us we are not alone.

From family and friends to fans and complete strangers, thank you for showing up for us.

Thank you for loving our family so well. Thank you for loving Kyle. Thank you for honoring him.

We may never find the words to fully express what your support has meant to us, but please know that we are deeply grateful.❤️ Samantha, Brexton & Lennix."

Kurt Busch, the two-time champion's brother and the 2004 series champion in his own right, issued a statement Monday. 

"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."

The Busch family issued these statements a little over two weeks after appearing but not speaking at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. That appearance was just three days after Busch's death and with nearly 100,000 people around them, including the entire, 39-driver field and NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell. O'Donnell spoke about Busch's legacy and expressed support for his family.

Busch's parents, Tom and Gaye, also appeared at the Coca-Cola 600. However, they haven't issued public statements yet. 

Like Samantha Busch and Kurt Busch, Busch's team owner Richard Childress also broke his silence after the death of his driver. During a press conference Saturday at Michigan International Speedway, Childress expressed praise for Busch and his family, detailed how he has grieved his death and touched on what's next for the team.

"We were going to be in here, Kyle [Busch] was going to be with me and we were going to announce that he was coming back in 2027 and drive for RCR. We wanted to do it up here in Michigan with our GM friends, with Chevrolet and it didn't happen," Childress said. “It's challenging. You lose two of the greatest drivers that's ever driven a car in NASCAR, and now having to go through it again.

"The sad part for me, looking back, knowing what Dale Earnhardt had in mind and the plans he had for his future, and then sitting and talking to Kyle at different times, knowing his plans and what he had in the future for him, Brexton and his family and the many things that we all could have done together."

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