More than two weeks after the death of his brother, Kurt Busch has shared a heart-wrenching post about fellow NASCAR great Kyle Busch.
Kurt, who was on hand for a pre-race tribute to Kyle at the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 in May, had yet to share anything publicly since his brother’s sudden death.
In his Instagram post on Monday morning, Kurt began by thanking everyone for their support during such a trying time for the family.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he wrote. “Thank you, everyone, for the well wishes, support, and love for my brother and our family.”
Kurt’s post featured several pictures of himself and Kyle throughout the years, including a picture of the two brothers riding a metal children’s cart together.
He reminisced about their time growing up and being in competition with each other.
“Finding a silver lining, I reflect back on the days Kyle and I raced anything we could get our hands on,” Kurt wrote. “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.
“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.”
He concluded the thoughtful post with a parting message to Kyle.
“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 and Kyle’s NASCAR history
The Busch brothers are one of the most accomplished sibling pairings in NASCAR history. The pair have combined for more than 97 NASCAR Cup Series victories and three championships.
After Kurt’s retirement in 2022, he was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026 earlier this year.
What did Kyle Busch’s wife say?
Last week, Kyle’s wife, Samantha spoke publicly for the first time since the “heartbreaking” passing of her husband.
She shared the emotional message on social media alongside a portrait of the family on Friday, thanking all of his fans for their support.
“The prayers, messages, flowers, meals, hugs, and countless acts of kindness have carried us through the most heartbreaking days of our lives,” Busch wrote on her Instagram account.
“While our hearts are absolutely shattered, we have felt God’s presence and arms wrapped tightly around us through each and every one of you.”
Kyle’s death certificate revealed ‘chain of events’
The NASCAR driver was initially believed to have been dealing with a week-long sinus cold in the days leading up to his death but it was so much worse, according to his death certificate, obtained by Us Weekly last week.
Busch, 41, suffered a “chain of events” which ultimately led to his death, starting with bacterial pneumonia, which he had for “days to weeks” before he died, which then developed into sepsis, the certificate noted.
The sepsis resulted in disseminated intravascular coagulation, or small clots that form in the bloodstream and block small vessels, restricting blood flow to the organs.
That led to hemorrhagic shock, which is caused by severe internal or external blood loss.
He was cremated after he died, Us also reported.
How did Busch die?
Busch died on May 21, one day after 911 was called to a training facility where the racer was overheating, struggling to breathe and coughing up blood.
Busch’s family said in a statement days after his passing that Busch died of “severe pneumonia that had progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications.”
He is survived by his wife, Samantha, and their two children, son Brexton, 11, and daughter Lennix, 4.
–With Denette Wilford files