BRISTOL, TN - SEPTEMBER 16: Kyle Busch 8 Richard Childress Racing Cheddar s/ALSCO Uniforms Chevrolet and wife Samantha pose for photos on pit road prior to the running of the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Playoff Bass Pro Shops Night Race on September 16, 2023 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, TN. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: SEP 16 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Bass Pro Shops Night Race EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon230916727
BRISTOL, TN - SEPTEMBER 16: Kyle Busch 8 Richard Childress Racing Cheddar s/ALSCO Uniforms Chevrolet and wife Samantha pose for photos on pit road prior to the running of the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Playoff Bass Pro Shops Night Race on September 16, 2023 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, TN. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: SEP 16 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Bass Pro Shops Night Race EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon230916727
Kyle Busch used his platform to make an impact on people’s lives beyond the racetrack. Now, NASCAR will honor the late driver with a "Kyle Busch Invitational" on Friday, August 21, at Bowman Gray that benefits his charity. His widow, Samantha Busch, has expressed her gratitude to the France family for the same.
The Kyle Busch Invitational will feature Legend and Bandolero races. The event will feature 51 Legend Cars and 18 additional Bandolero Cars, a nod to the numbers Busch used in his racing career.
After the announcement, Samantha Busch shared an Instagram story to express her gratitude to the France family and NASCAR, highlighting what "Rowdy" stood for.
"Some of Kyle’s happiest moments weren’t just on Sundays. They were spent at local tracks with Brexton, helping young drivers, talking racing with fans, and investing in the next generation of our sport," Samantha wrote in the IG story. "Kyle truly believed grassroots racing was the heart of NASCAR and bringing a Legend car race to Bowman Gray was something he talked about often because he knew how special that place is to drivers and fans alike."
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 15: Kyle Busch 8 Richard Childress Racing zone Jalapeno Lime Chevrolet waves to the crowd prior to the running of the 68th NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Daytona 500 on February 15, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: FEB 15 NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602152098500
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 15: Kyle Busch 8 Richard Childress Racing zone Jalapeno Lime Chevrolet waves to the crowd prior to the running of the 68th NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Daytona 500 on February 15, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: FEB 15 NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602152098500
For her, there could have been no better way for NASCAR to honor her late husband. Thanking NASCAR COO, Ben Kennedy, the grandson of Bill France Sr, Samantha added,
"Seeing one of Kyle’s dreams live on through this event means so much to our family. I’m so incredibly grateful to Ben Kennedy and everyone who helped make this dream a reality. I know this night will celebrate everything Kyle loved. Great racing, passionate fans, young talent, and the grassroots racing community.
"Thank you for helping carry on a piece of Kyle’s legacy while also supporting The Bundle of Joy Fund. I can’t think of a more fitting way to honor him."
The Bundle of Joy Fund was founded in September 2015 by Samantha and Kyle Busch. The charity helps couples facing infertility by providing financial grants towards their IVF journey. This nonprofit charity was inspired by the Busch family's own IVF struggles.
As for the Legend Car event at Bowman Gray Stadium, it will be televised live on FloRacing and the NASCAR Channel. Fans can also attend the event at the stadium. The tickets will be available at the track from 2 p.m. onwards.
Why the Kyle Busch Invitational means more than a race
The event is more than just another race; it carries a deeper purpose as it honors the late two-time NASCAR champion's love for grassroots racing and also honors the cause that has changed several lives.
In a press release by NASCAR on Thursday, President Clay Campbell, Martinsville Speedway, and VP, NASCAR Mid-Atlantic Division, said,
"It’s an honor to host the Kyle Busch Invitational at Bowman Gray Stadium and celebrate the life and legacy of one of racing’s most accomplished drivers.
"This event brings together the passion of our fans, the rich history of the Madhouse and an incredible cause through The Samantha and Kyle Busch Bundle of Joy Fund. This will be a special night for our fans, our community and everyone involved."
The Legend Car heat races begin at 5 p.m. ET with five 10-lap heats. That will be followed by two 15-lap B-Mains before moving on to the Bandolero and Legend Car feature races.
Read more on the Daytona Racing Digest!
Written by
Chionia Libania Colaco
Edited by
Yash Kotak