The NASCAR community has often come together in support of one another during the most difficult times. This was also seen following the tragic passing of Kyle Busch, as people sent messages of comfort and encouragement. Among them was Heather Gibbs, who recently revealed a message she passed on to Samantha. 

During her appearance on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s podcast with Kelley Earnhardt, Gibbs revealed that she reached out to Samantha after losing Kyle. 

"I got to spend time with Samantha a day or so after losing Kyle, and she's like, what's it going to be like? And I'm like, it absolutely s****. It's awful. And my heart broke so much, but I said, Your kids are going to watch you, and you're going to find strength. You're not going to have it on your own. You have to have a relationship with the Lord," Gibbs said. 

Gibbs understood what Samantha was going through. Having lost her husband, former NASCAR team co-owner Coy Gibbs, in 2022, she understands the grief and uncertainty following the loss of a spouse. Drawing from her experience, she reached out to Busch’s widow with words of comfort, urging her to turn to faith. 

She further reflected on the conversation she had with Samantha Busch about leaning on your faith during dark moments.

"You have to trust in him [God] because he's going to sustain you no matter how upset you are with him right now. And it's okay because we were made to have emotions. But he's going to walk with you through the darkest moments...If you don't have that foundation, you're going to be lost, bitter, and empty. And no one on earth can fulfill that," Gibbs said on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s podcast.

Kyle Busch tragically passed away on May 21st after he was admitted to the hospital in North Carolina, citing severe illness. However, it was later revealed he died of pneumonia that developed into sepsis. 

While the loss left a deep void not just among the Busch family but also the racing world. However, his contributions to the sport will be remembered through the Hall of Fame induction. 

Kyle Busch set for WCSC Hall of Fame

A month after Busch’s death, the motorsports community continues to recognize his achievements on track. The latest honor comes from West Coast Stock Car.

On June 28th, the West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame announced the class of 2026, which included drivers from Funny Cars John Force and Ron Capps. 

“I feel compelled to tell the public that prior to our loss of Kyle Busch, he already had enough votes to be inducted with the Class of 2026. That’s just further testimony to his tremendous talent and contributions he made to the sport over the past 25 years,” Hall Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ken Clapp said via the West Coast Stock Car website.

Kyle Busch had one of the most successful NASCAR careers across all three divisions of the sport, as he gained 234 wins with 63 Cup wins and 69 Truck series wins. 

What do you think? Let us know in the comments!

Read more at the RFK Racing Digest!

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore