Bubba Wallace Pays Emotional Tribute to Kyle Busch at Coca Cola 600 After His Death
NASCAR's Bubba Wallace honored his deceased colleague, Kyle Busch, with a moving tribute.
NASCAR analyst Devin Kupka shared video of the moment on May 23, writing, "Bubba Wallace kneeling over the Kyle Busch's no. 8 that is painted in the infield at Charlotte Motor Speedway." The moment came at the Coca Cola 600, where Busch was supposed to race.
It came as Busch's family has revealed his cause of death was sepsis caused by pneumonia. "The medical evaluation provided to the Busch Family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications," Busch's family said in a May 23 statement released to The Athletic's Jeff Gluck. "The Family asks for continued understanding and privacy during this difficult time."
Bubba Wallace Opened Up About His Grief on Instagram
Bubba Wallace kneeling over the Kyle Busch's no. 8 that is painted in the infield at Charlotte Motor Speedway. #CocaCola600#NASCARpic.twitter.com/BmljwvvGSA
— Devin Kupka (@Devin_Kupka) May 23, 2026
Wallace also shared his grief on his Instagram page in the wake of Busch's death. "My eyes hurt from all the crying, my heart hurts from the pain. Just Sunday, mid race I thought about Kyle Busch and the one of many lessons that he had taught me. 'Is it loose? Drive thru it and trust it,'" Wallace wrote.
"Kyle was a monumental factor in who Bubba Wallace is today. I sit here and look at all things around me and all the things I've been able to accomplish..Kyle played a role in every aspect. That's what hurts the most. An icon and a legend that I looked up to…is no longer with us," he added.
"Myself along with many other drivers, crew chiefs, mechanics, etc… learned so much from Kyle. His legacy will continue to transcend in this sport for years to come," continued Wallace.
"Honored to have shared the same race track with one of the best to ever do it. Thank you for all you've done for me. I will miss my drafting buddy on the plate races. Rest easy my brother. Love to you and your family!"
NASCAR Wrote That the NASCAR 'Family Is Heartbroken' Over Kyle Busch's Tragic Death
The tributes poured in for Busch, 41, who died unexpectedly after training in a racing simulator. He had been struggling with a sinus cold and sustained cough for at least 11 days.
"On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch," NASCAR said in a statement.
"Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch. 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."
Many other racing legends, including Mario Andretti, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and others also shared moving and grief-stricken tributes to Busch following his death.
Busch is survived by his wife, Samantha, and their two small children, as well as his brother Kurt Busch, who is in NASCAR's Hall of Fame.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 5:01 PM.