NASCAR handed Kyle Busch the Most Popular Driver Award after he passed away, a move that feels right but still hurts. The vote count is in, and the result honors a driver who spent years fighting for fan love. Brexton Busch, his 11-year-old son, released a statement on Tuesday. The boy thanked the fans for voting for his dad, noting that Kyle talked about this specific win often.
Chase Elliott made the call to step aside, a move that shows real class in a sport often defined by ego. Elliott had won the award for eight straight years before pulling his name from the ballot. He did this just as his father Bill did back in 2001 when Dale Earnhardt died. Other drivers jumped in to tell their fans to vote for Kyle, turning a race for votes into a tribute. Per Fox Sports, Elliott said last month when voting began that he felt Kyle deserved the win because of how much he cared for supporters.
A Father’s Wish Fulfilled
Kyle Busch was a polarizing figure who embraced the villain role and loved the noise it created. He died at 41 from pneumonia complications on May 21, leaving a massive hole in the grid. Samantha Busch, his widow, accepted the award on stage in Miami on Tuesday night. She told reporters on the red carpet, “I want to cry thinking about it.” She added that he wanted that award so bad for so many years and she is thrilled he got it.
Samantha noted that when she told Brexton the news, he was really pumped. The 11-year-old had already shown his own bravery at a celebration of life event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He drove the No. 8 car his father once drove and performed a burnout to the roar of the crowd. This award gives Brexton and his sister Lennix a chance to see another side of the dad they miss.
The Numbers Behind the Love
Fans voted for him despite his fiery reputation, and his statistics reflect his performance. With two titles secured in 2015 and 2019, Busch claimed 63 victories at the Cup level. His total career wins across the top three series hit a record 234. Motorsport.com reports that Kyle was very competitive and even asked NASCAR officials to see the numbers when he fell short in previous years.
Brexton Busch said his father would be thrilled to finally win and thanked everyone who voted. His father instilled in him a deep appreciation for supporters. Charlotte welcomed fans nationwide to honor one of NASCAR’s all-time greats a little more than one month ago.
