NASCAR’s iconic Coca-Cola 600 race is underway, but it was cast over by the dark cloud of mourning and grief before it began.

Before the commencement of the race, NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell paid tribute to the late NASCAR driver. The entire garage stood behind him, from drivers with their crew to Busch's family and Richard Childress himself. And as he started speaking, Samantha couldn't hold it.

In her first public appearance since her husband's tragic passing, Samantha was seen breaking down on Brexton's shoulder as O'Donnell paid his tribute to the No. 8 driver. Brexton also had a hard time controlling it.

O'Donnell said, “Samantha, I want you to know that this sport stands with you. You and your children are NASCAR family forever."

Samantha hugged her son tightly in that moment. O'Donnell then tapped Brexton and continued,

"Brexton and Lennix, your dad loved you with all of his heart. Everyone gathered here, everyone behind you, everyone watching on TV and all those people up in the grandstand, are your family. We’ve got you.” 

Kyle Busch, the two-time NASCAR champion, passed away suddenly on Thursday, May 21st, just hours after being hospitalized for ‘severe illness’. The cause of his death was later revealed to be pneumonia that progressed into sepsis. 

Busch left behind his mark on the sport with 234 wins across the NASCAR series. He also holds the record for 19 consecutive seasons with at least one win. 

In light of his passing, several tributes have continued to pour in from across the globe. At Charlotte, along with Samantha, Brexton, and Lennix, Busch’s parents, Tom and Gaye, and his brother, fellow NASCAR champion Kurt Busch, also made their first public appearance since the news broke out. 

And fans were in full support of them when they received the tribute.

Support pours in for the Busch family after NASCAR’s tribute to the Rowdy at Coca-Cola 600

The fans commented under the video posted by NASCAR about the tribute on their social media account. One fan wrote, “Samantha Busch is so strong oh my gosh. I’m crying.”

“What a special moment as Samantha and Brexton Busch are standing next to Richard Childress as Steve O'Donnell leads us into a moment of silence, and then the bagpipes play. Man, this is... No words. #NASCAR” Another fan wrote. 

While another pointed out Samantha’s courage, “Very well done. I just keep thinking how brave of Samantha to come to the track. I hope the love shown brings the Busch family some comfort. I'm thankful they have such a massive support group.”

Another fan echoed similar sentiments writing, “What amazing strength shown by Samatha and Brexton! This is painful to watch, I can't begin to imagine what it is for them.”

A fan showed their support for Brexton as they wrote, “we’re all behind you brexton”

RCR has decided to retire the No 8, but it will be available whenever Brexton decides to use it. As of now, Austin Hill will be driving Busch’s car with the No. 33 while Corey Day will be taking over his truck with the No. 7. 

You can read more on the Daytona Racing Digest

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason