Kyle Busch's sudden demise shook the entire Motorsports fraternity. The two-time Cup Series champion passed away on Thursday, May 21, and fans from all over the world paid their tribute to respect the late driver. Now, the state of North Carolina has also decided to pay tribute to the NASCAR icon in a unique way.

Josh Stein, the governor of North Carolina, has directed all officials to fly the flags at state facilities at half-staff - From the National flag of the United States to the states' flags - to honor and respect Busch's legacy in NASCAR.

"Kyle Busch was not just a talented and record-setting driver; he was also a kind person," Stein said in a DOA statement. "His loss will be felt throughout the entire NASCAR community and well beyond … may his memory be a blessing.”

Even though Kyle Busch was born in Las Vegas, he primarily stayed in Denver, North Carolina. It was Charlotte, where he breathed his last, another city in NC, that too just days before the NASCAR's crown jewel race, the Coca-Cola 600, at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Kyle Busch was reportedly practicing in the racing simulator at the Chevrolet facility in Concord, North Carolina. This was when he fell ill, and people accompanying him called 911, and he was taken to the hospital immediately.

However, the NASCAR star did not survive and passed away, leaving behind his wife, Samantha Busch, and two kids, Brexton and Lennix. He was 41 at the time of his demise. The family confirmed on Saturday that he was affected by severe pneumonia.

US President Donald Trump condolences to Busch's family

After Kyle Busch passed away, US President Donald Trump paid tribute to the NASCAR driver and sent prayers for his family. Busch and his wife had visited the White House in 2025 to back the President's push for expanded IVF access.

The White House's X account posted a statement from Trump, which read:

"The LEGENDARY NASCAR Driver Kyle Busch tragically and unexpectedly passed away yesterday. He was a true talent who loved NASCAR and its fans."

The US president also highlighted Busch's NASCAR achievements, adding:

"Kyle was a WINNER! He was a two-time Cup Champion, and holds the All-Time Record for WINS in NASCAR's Top Three series, and even won another just last weekend. Kyle's wife, Samantha, and their two beautiful children are in our thoughts and prayers. She truly loved Kyle! Rest in peace, Kyle Busch. You will always be a LEGEND!"

With over 1300 national series races to his name and 234 race wins, Kyle Busch was a legendary figure in NASCAR. After his demise, Richard Childress Racing decided to discontinue the use of the No. 8 car until his son, Brexton Busch, joins the sport in the future.

Read more at the RFK Racing Digest!

Written by

Sabyasachi Biswas

Edited by

Yask Kotak