NASCAR's Kurt Busch Breaks Silence on Younger Brother Kyle Busch's Death

Retired NASCAR driver Kurt Busch spoke out following the sudden death of younger brother Kyle Busch.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart," Kurt, 47, shared via Instagram on Monday, June 8. "Thank you, everyone, for the well wishes, support, and love for my brother and our family. Finding a silver lining, I reflect back on the days Kyle and I raced anything we could get our hands on. From big wheels to competing on the biggest stages in motorsports, we were more than just fierce competitors. We pushed each other, challenged each other, and learned from each other."

He continued, "Kyle, your passion, determination, and love for your family inspired everyone who knew you. No trophy, championship, or accomplishment could ever measure the impact you had on my life and on so many others. I will forever be grateful for the memories we made, the lessons you taught me, and the brotherhood we shared. My heart is broken, but I know your spirit will always ride with me."

"Rest easy, little brother," Kurt concluded his post.

Kyle died on May 21 after being found "unresponsive" in a Chevrolet racing simulator. According a death certificate exclusively obtained by Us Weekly, Kyle had pneumonia for "days or weeks" before his death, which progressed into sepsis.

Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR confirmed his death in a statement at the time.

"Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch," the statement read. "A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans."

The statement continued, "Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR's highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series."

They remembered Kyle's "sharp wit and competitive spirit" along with his "deep emotional connection" with NASCAR fans.

"NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon," the statement concluded. "During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family's privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate."

Kurt kicked off his racing career at age 14, and his brother followed in his footsteps. While the racing duo share the record for the most NASCAR national series wins by siblings, their relationship was full of ups and downs.

A racing incident in 2007 caused a rift between the two brothers when they collided at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Years later, Kyle revealed that Kurt ultimately took credit for the crash.

"He blamed me for the wreck for about 10 years and then finally he came around and admitted that he crashed me in that wreck, that it was his fault," Kyle said during a 2023 interview, noting that they didn't speak for more than a year after the incident.

"I hated him," Kyle recalled, revealing that their grandma had intervened. "We finally came to somewhat of an agreement to disagree."

Their relationship was in "good" place following the reconciliation.

"Our relationships gone back," Kyle added. "Finally, when he admitted that he crashed me I was like, ‘OK we can be brothers again.'"

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This story was originally published June 8, 2026 at 10:27 AM.