“He’s Truly a Loss Whole Racing Community!” Danica Patrick Pays Tribute to Late NASCAR Champion Kyle Busch

The NASCAR community is still morning the death of two times Cup Series champion Kyle Busch who passed away at the age of 41. He was hospitalized due to severe pneumonia that developed into sepsis as well as other series consequences. Almost all of the motorsport events in USA this week paid tribute to the legend, including IndyCar.

Ahead of the Indy 500 race, Fox Sports had a special broadcasting segmental that featured Jimmie Johnosn, Tony Stewart and Danica Patrick. All three of them shared their memories about the late RCR driver. The female racer turned broadcaster highlighted how the future Hall of Famer was a great champion and a fierce competitor.

You know, I think what stands out about Kyle is just how much he loved racing. He loved to drive the cars, win the cars, obviously we saw how competitive he was and fiery, to now his son Brexton racing.

Danica Patrick said via Fox Sports.

Before the Indy 500, @JimmieJohnson, @DanicaPatrick, and @TonyStewart remember Kyle Busch. pic.twitter.com/wemDa2t7Cr

— INDYCAR on FOX (@IndyCarOnFOX) May 24, 2026

One regret Kyle Busch had about his racing career was about never getting a shot to race at the Indy 500, as he really wanted to do the double duty like his brother Kurt Busch. On the Fox segment, Danica Patrick highlighted this factor, as she feels the motorsport world missed out on a special moment with the loss of the legend.

He really wanted to race the 500, and I’m really sad that we’re not going to see that happen because I think he would have been pretty spectacular. But he’s truly a loss to, obviously, his family, but the whole racing community for the personality and the driver that he was.

Danica Patrick added.

Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart share their respect for Kyle Busch

In the same segment, Jimmie Johnson shared his joy seeing the IndyCar community coming in support of Kyle Busch and paying tribute for his ex-teammate. He sees it as a quiet impressive moment for everyone to remember.

Coming back here a couple of days ago and seeing folks after the announcement about Kyle’s passing, to see the love and respect from this garage, this paddock as they call it, the community of motorsport, it is always impressive, and to see everybody rallying and sharing their concerns this time has been quite impressive.

Jimmie Johnson said.

In the same conversation, Tony Stewart, who was also teammate with the late legend shared his thoughts. He highlighted how Busch net from a rough racer to a respectable champion, while becoming a family man. The former racer is going to miss this aspect of the former champion more than ever.

I think what I’m going to miss the most and what I’ve really appreciated watching the last couple years is the transformation for him to grow into a family man and a father. Obviously, my roots are in dirt track racing, so to be able to watch Kyle and Brexton and Samantha go to the racetrack together and race, and just see that family atmosphere for those guys, that’s a side of Kyle Busch that most people never saw…

Tony Stewart asserted.

The comments from the former racer are on point and shows the massive impact the 234 times NASCAR race winner had on the sport. It would be interesting to how they are going to pays more respect and tribute in the coming days.  

Also Read: Kevin Harvick Compares Kyle Busch Death to Dale Earnhardt Sr’s Tragedy