Connor Zilisch Sends Encouraging Message to Kyle Busch’s Son

NASCAR driver Connor Zilisch has always been a devoted supporter of Kyle Busch’s 11-year-old son, Brexton.

“It was a tough end to our day, but today was about more than racing,” Zilisch, 19, expressed on X on Sunday, May 24. “Brexton, you will always have a fan and supporter in me, buddy. Sending love to the Busch family.”

The late Kyle was honored during Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600, held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina. Brexton was there with his mother, Samantha Busch, and his 4-year-old sister, Lennix, as NASCAR paid tribute to his late father with a moment of silence before the race.

“Samantha, I want you to know that this sport stands with you and that you and your children are part of the NASCAR family forever,” the announcer said during the event. “Everyone here, everyone watching on TV, and all those in the grandstands are your family, and we are here for you.”

Samantha, 39, became emotional and embraced Brexton throughout the speech.

“Kyle Busch is NASCAR,” the speech concluded. “He was truly one-of-a-kind, and there will never be another like him. Now, I ask everyone to join us in a moment of silence for Kyle.”

The Busch family announced on Thursday, May 21, that Kyle had been admitted to the hospital with a “severe illness” and wouldn’t participate in the Coca-Cola 600. Shortly thereafter, it was confirmed that Kyle had passed away at the age of 41.

“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,” a joint statement from the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR read. “A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a unique talent, emerging once in a generation. He was fierce, passionate, immensely skilled, and deeply invested in the sport and its fans. Over a career that lasted more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, secured championships at NASCAR’s highest levels, and supported the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series.”

On Saturday, May 23, it was revealed that his cause of death was pneumonia that developed into sepsis, leading to rapid and severe complications, as confirmed by a representative for Busch’s family to NBC News.

Richard Childress Racing (RCR) announced earlier this week that they would temporarily retire the No. 8 car, which Kyle drove prior to his passing.

“Kyle Busch played a vital role in the design of RCR’s iconic No. 8, which has become synonymous with him and a significant symbol for his fans and the NASCAR community,” RCR stated on Friday, May 22. “No one can carry it forward like he did. The No. 8 is reserved and ready for Brexton Busch when he is prepared to enter NASCAR racing.”