In the wake of one of NASCAR's most heartbreaking losses, two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Larson is experiencing a mix of grief and pride as he watches his children honor the memory of the late Kyle Busch.
Busch passed away at age 41 last month due to complications from pneumonia and sepsis, leaving the racing world in mourning. But amid the sorrow, Larson's daughter Aubrey delivered a moment that brought a smile to her father's face.
After winning her dirt track race in Nebraska, Aubrey paid a heartfelt tribute to Busch—a gesture that Larson says made him "super happy."
"I was super happy that she thought of that, and then the next night she ended up winning, and that was cool to pay tribute to Kyle," Larson told reporters ahead of the Cracker Barrel 400. "It makes me proud to see that the kids understand the situation and are doing their part to support the family and honor Kyle."
This touching moment came just days after Larson's 11-year-old son, Owen, showed remarkable compassion by comforting Busch's son, Brexton, during an emotional tribute at the Coca-Cola 600. Larson couldn't hide his pride.
"When Owen went over there to put his arm around Brexton, that made me very proud of him," Larson said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. "To see the emotion on Owen's face when he came back over, it was also a proud moment because you don't know how an 11-year-old is going to kind of grasp the situation and understand what has happened and the pain that they're going through."
The Busch family's loss has resonated across the NASCAR community, with many calling for NASCAR to waive the Hall of Fame wait for the legendary driver. Larson, who shared countless battles with Busch on the track, reflected on the impact his rival had on his career.
"I have so many memories of great battles with him throughout my career that I'll cherish forever," Larson posted on X after Busch's death. "It's hard to even put into words what he meant to me and my career, whether he knew it or not. He was the bar we all measured ourselves against. Just a pure racer to the core. As real as they come."
Larson also expressed his deep sympathy for Busch's family, including his wife Samantha and their children. "I hate this so much for their family, Samantha, Lennix, and especially Brexton," he added. "The bond Kyle and Brexton shared, and everything he poured into his racing and his family, was incredible."
The pain of Busch's passing has also sparked discussions about missed warning signs in his battle with pneumonia and sepsis. As the sport prepares for the FireKeepers Casino 400 in Michigan on June 7, Busch's legacy will undoubtedly be on everyone's mind.
For Larson, seeing his children step up during such a difficult time has been a silver lining. "It makes me proud to see that the kids understand the situation and are doing their part to support the family and honor Kyle," he said.
