NASCAR’s biggest race of the year, the Coca-Cola 600 weekend, is underway. However, instead of the usual buzz across the track, a somber environment has taken over the Charlotte track after Kyle Busch's tragic passing on May 21. Amid the emotional atmosphere, fans praised Kyle Larson's son for his touching gesture.

Before the race kicked off, NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell, along with Busch’s family, the drivers, along with their families and crew, came together to pay tribute to the late Kyle Busch. As the tribute began, Busch's wife, Samantha, could not compose herself any longer. 

In their first public appearance after Busch’s sudden passing, she was seen hugging an acquaintance, while their 11-year-old son, Brexton, was seen trying to compose himself while comforting his mother. 

What caught everyone’s eye was the small gesture by Kyle Larson’s son, Owen Larson. Owen walked towards his friend to comfort him with a gentle hug.

The two-time NASCAR Champion passed away suddenly on May 21st after he was taken to the hospital with ‘severe illness.’ On Saturday, in a statement put out by the family, the cause of his death was revealed as pneumonia that progressed into sepsis. 

Kyle Busch left behind his legacy in the sport with 234 wins across multiple NASCAR series. He holds the record for 19 consecutive seasons with one win. 

Along with Samantha, Brexton, and Lennix, Kyle Busch’s brother and NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Kurt Busch, made their first public appearance. 

Fans React to Owen Larson’s Heartfelt Gesture Towards Brexton Busch

The clipping of the two sharing a heartfelt hug soon went viral across social media. The fans commented under the video posted on X.

One fan commented, writing, “It was so sweet and genuine. He wanted his friend to know he loved him.” Their fathers raced together extensively for over a decade in the NASCAR Cup Series.

While another fan pointed out how the young boys don't fully understand the concept of grief, but know how to comfort each other. “ those boys don’t even fully understand grief yet and still know how to show up for each other,” read the comment. Brexton, often seen alongside his father at races, recently updated his Facebook profile picture to an image of the two sharing a hug.

Another fan is already looking towards the future of Brexton and Owen taking their friendship to the track. “I hope they become best friends off track and the fiercest enemies on track both in NASCAR and in sprint cars just Like Connor Zilisch and Jesse Love. NASCAR's future is in safe hands hopefully,” the comment read.

A fan also praised the upbringing of Kyle Larson and his wife, Katelyn Larson. “Now that's the type of friends Brex is gonna need in the weeks and months going forward. Good on you, @KyleLarsonRacin @mrs_klarson  for raising such a great young man!” a fan wrote.

RCR recently revealed that they have retired the No 8 but will be available to Brexton if he decides to use it. Currently, Brexton races in the JR Late Model racing. 

Share your thoughts on Owen's touching gesture for Brexton.

Read more at Daytona Racing Digest.

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar