Samantha Busch gave a tearful speech at the Kyle Busch Invitational at Bowman-Gray Stadium. The race honoring Kyle Busch comes exactly three months since the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion’s tragic death.
Brexton Busch, son of Kyle and Samantha, is competing in Friday night’s event. The 11-year-old has continued to race in the aftermath of his father’s sudden passing on May 21.
Samantha on grieving the loss of husband Kyle: ‘Hardest [time] of our lives’
Prior to Friday night’s on-track action at “The Madhouse,” Samantha Busch took the microphone and thanked every fan who came out to honor her late husband.
“These past few months have been the hardest of our lives and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to fully explain the love and support from all of you and what it has meant to myself, Brexton, Lennix, and our entire family,” Samantha said.
Samantha said Kyle loved Bowman-Gray Stadium and lit up every time he discussed planning to host an event at the North Carolina short track. That is because tracks like Bowman-Gray is where “Rowdy” got his start.
“He loved this place. Its history and the energy here, but more than anything, Kyle loved grassroots racing. It was where his love for this sport began and no matter how far his career took him, he never lost that. He believed in giving young racers a place to learn, compete, and dream big and fall in love with this sport the same way that he did,” Samantha said.
Kyle Busch played a crucial role in Brexton’s racing career, Samantha said, which makes losing him three months ago that much harder.
“Watching Brexton continue chasing his dreams without his dad beside him is absolutely heartbreaking, but I am so grateful for all the people that surround us who love Kyle,” Samantha said.
The couple struggled with IVF for years as Samantha suffered multiple miscarriages. It was their hardships that drove Kyle and Samantha to offer a helping hand to those with similar battles.
“We knew we wanted to give that same hope to other couples desperately praying for a family of their own. Fatherhood changed Kyle in the most beautiful ways and it was clear to see how much this message meant to him,” Samantha said.
Samantha said Kyle Busch’s legacy lives on: ‘We race on’
Since his passing, the racing community has wrapped their arms around Samantha and her family, something she is grateful beyond words for.
“Kyle was a racer to his core, but he knew this sport was nothing without you fans. You all showed for him, you loved on him, and you’re loving on us when we need you the most and I am so appreciative,” Samantha said.
Samantha wrapped up her speech by saying what she knows Kyle would want everyone to do.
Keep racing.
“Racing will never be the same without him. Our lives will never be the same without him, but I know Kyle’s love for this sport, his impact on it and the legacy he left behind and will continue to do so through all of us. So tonight, let’s do exactly what Kyle would have wanted. We race on,” Samantha said.
Samantha Busch Delivers Emotional Speech at The Kyle Busch Invitational