NASCAR legend Kyle Busch's 11-year-old son, Brexton, made an emotional return to the racetrack just hours after his father's private memorial service on Tuesday.
Brexton was seen in his green No. 18 Legends car at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina, practising for the Cook Out Summer Shootout, with the speedway's X account sharing a snap of the budding star. "A little Shootout shakedown," the caption read, as fans of Kyle and his son took to the comment section to share their support.
"Great job Brexton, make Dad proud. Great job to Mom as well for seeing that Brex gets to continue doing what he loves doing, following in Dad's footsteps," wrote one fan, while another added: "Go Brexton!! We are all watching and pulling for you!"
© Icon Sportswire via Getty Images"Wow I can't believe he’s there. Strong young man," said another, while a fourth chimed in: "Good to see Brexton behind the wheel again. That next win is going to be super emotional."
Brexton's return to the track in Charlotte is particularly meaningful, as Kyle was set to compete there in the Coca Cola 600 on May 24 before his untimely death three days prior.
"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," read the statement following his death. "Kyle was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled, and he cared deeply about the sport and fans," the statement continued.
© Getty Images"Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR's highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series."
Kyle was rushed to the hospital on May 20 after experiencing shortness of breath and coughing up blood. He passed away 24 hours later from sepsis, caused by severe bacterial bilateral pneumonia that he had likely suffered from for weeks without realizing. Kyle had been suffering from a sinus cold at what was to be his second-to-last NASCAR race on May 10 at Watkins Glen International.
© Getty ImagesIn honor of Kyle's contribution to the NASCAR sport, his former team, Richard Childress Racing, announced their decision to keep his old number, No. 8, for when Brexton goes pro and chooses to take it on. He has been driving since he was six years old, and has shown incredible promise, much like his father.
© Getty Images"Richard Childress Racing has elected to suspend use of the No. 8 and will run the No. 33 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and beyond," the team said in a statement.
© Getty Images"Kyle Busch was instrumental in the design of RCR's stylized No. 8, and it has become synonymous with Kyle and an important symbol for his fans and the NASCAR industry. No one can carry it forward to the level that he did. The No. 8 is reserved and ready for Brexton Busch when he is ready to go NASCAR racing."
Kyle and his wife, Samantha, welcomed Brexton in 2015 via IVF, followed by their daughter, Lennix, who was born in 2022.
