Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson shared more than a first name.
There was mutual respect and admiration between the drivers, both two-time NASCAR Cup Series champions.
They also shared the responsibility to nurture the next generation of racers within their own families. Hence, it wasn’t surprising that Larson said he felt honored to be part of the celebration of Busch’s life on Friday evening at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Busch died suddenly and unexpectedly in May, less than a week after winning his last NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Dover Motor Speedway.
“It was just an honor to be invited to be a part of it,” said Larson, who appeared on stage during Busch’s memorial. “I thought it went well—super good—listening to everybody’s stories. I thought everybody did a great job honoring Kyle and really just talking about who he was as a person, as a family man, a racer, a competitor.”
After a moving speech by Busch’s widow Samantha, son Brexton, 11, delighted the crowd with a burnout, followed by a deep bow, which had been Busch’s signature victory celebration.
“To cap it off with Brexton doing burnouts was something I don’t think any of us will ever forget,” Larson said. “That was awesome … He just looked like such a mini-Kyle in the car. The onboard was just special—like ‘Here is the next Kyle Busch.’”
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