The NASCAR World Reacts to The Passing of Kyle Busch
What’s Happening? The sudden passing of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch has taken the NASCAR world by storm, with everyone from media…
Following the passing of Richard Childress Racing driver Kyle Busch, his RCR teammate Austin Dillon offered up his thoughts and a promise to Busch in an online letter.
In the immediate aftermath of Kyle Busch’s shocking passing late Thursday, there was little in the way of a response from Busch’s team, Richard Childress Racing, beyond a group statement.
Of course, most fans did not expect team members to comment on such a tragic occurrence so soon after the incident. Still, early Friday morning, the first to come forward was Busch’s teammate and the grandson of team owner Richard Childress, Austin Dillon.
In his note, framed as a letter to the late driver, Dillon reflected on Busch’s time both in and out of RCR, his battles with the two-time Cup Series Champion across NASCAR’s National Series, and their relationship off track.
“I grew up around some great drivers that came through RCR, including Hall of Fame drivers. But during that time, there was one guy on another team, and we all knew that when he showed up, we were fighting for second place.” — Austin Dillon
In fact, Dillon, who had a close relationship with RCR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. prior to his passing in 2001, compared Busch to The Intimidator, saying that Childress called Busch, “the only guy I’ve ever seen drive like Dale.”
Of course, Dillon also addressed the testy rivalry Busch had with RCR and, let’s face it, anyone else in the garage during his prime, with Dillon adding that Childress, “really hated losing to this guy, but I know he respected him.”
When it came to Busch joining the team, Dillon, who helped bring Busch to RCR ahead of the 2023 season, said that KFB laughed at the idea at first, but, saying that in Busch’s free agency, “it was a no brainer that we had to go after you.”
“When I made the call, your response was hilarious. You asked, ‘Do you think your Grandpa would want me?’ I had already checked with my Grandpa, and his response was the same as yours, ‘Do you think he would want to come to RCR?’ I said ‘yes. You both are the same people. You are RACERS.’” — Austin Dillon
While his reflection on their time together was emotional, the real emotion came at the end of the letter, where Dillon said that he really enjoyed speaking with Busch as a friend and a father.
In closing out this heartfelt letter to Busch, Dillon made a promise, saying he will always be there for the Busch family, as they are now part of his family.
“I know how happy and excited he made you. You raised one of the nicest, well-mannered kids, and that is a direct reflection of his parents. Sam is one strong woman and the best MOMager in the business. I promise to always be there for Sam, Brex, and Lennix. They are RCR family for life.” — Austin Dillon
In the wake of Busch’s passing, RCR is still entering the No. 8 team this weekend, opting for NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver Austin Hill to take over, a decision made prior to Busch’s passing. Since Thursday, RCR’s shop has been flooded with tributes to Busch, such as flowers and other small memorials.
What’s Happening? The sudden passing of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch has taken the NASCAR world by storm, with everyone from media…
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