“We’re Going to Go Above and Beyond!” Denny Hamlin Promises to Support Samantha Busch and Family After Kyle Busch Tragedy

The NASCAR community is still fining it hard to adjust to the fact that two times champion Kyle Busch passed away at the age 41 due to severe pneumonia and sepsis. One racer that was affected by the death the most was Denny Hamlin, who raced together at Joe Gibbs Racing for a record 15+ years, and has a good relationship with the Busch family.

On the latest episode of his podcast, the veteran talked about the late RCR racers widow Samantha Busch and rest of the family. He vowed to support them over everything they needs in life. The veteran made the promise not just because of his close relationship with the legend, but also because of the fact that they stood firm beside them in 2025 December when his dad died in a housefire.

We just are going to think about the family. Obviously, Samantha or Brexton, anything that they need from us or me personally then we’re going to go above and beyond. Samantha was one of the first people that helped my mom after the fire. She was able to contribute and reached out and helped us. That family is very, very caring. Our thoughts are with her.

Denny Hamlin said on Actions Detrimental.

Denny reflects on years of racing alongside Kyle Busch. 🏁 pic.twitter.com/OstcZEdGWC

— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) May 25, 2026

In the same podcast, the veteran racer talked about the tribute event hosted by NASCAR for Kyle Busch, where all the members of the Busch family attended. He sees it as a moment that shows the courage of the family, as it took a lot for them to attend the evening. Denny Hamlin also recalled the heart touching moment, when Kyle Larson’s son Owen came to hug and console Brexton Busch.

The family just showed tremendous courage coming to the racetrack and subjecting yourselves to being out there. Great moment caught Kyle Larson‘s son, Owen, going up and giving Brexton a hug. Just, ugh, it’s just heart-wrenching for sure.

Denny Hamlin added.

Denny Hamlin explained why he called Kyle Busch NASCAR’s Kobe Bryant

In a conversation with ESPN, Denny Hamlin talked about his comments online where he equated Kyle Busch to late basketball legend Kobe Bryant. He sees a lot of parallels between the duo, from them being significant contributors to respective sports as well as how big of a gap their death left in the sporting community.

I remember it happening and where it was and all those things. It’s just that often that someone’s seen larger from the school they in or whatever, but Kobe was that, right? And he saw the out four of how he affected everyone else that was in the league at that time.

Denny Hamlin said.

Denny Hamlin with poignant remembrance of Kyle Busch. pic.twitter.com/3BcKxdFyxM

— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) May 24, 2026

The JGR also highlighted how Busch gave back to the sport by giving opportunities to many drivers in the lower series and how he has been the mentor to over 15 racers in the Cup garage at the moment, including Hamlin’s 23Xi driver Bubba Wallace. Bryant had a similar impact among young players in NBA.

Busch, he was responsible for probably 15 of the guys running in the Cup Series race tonight. In their development. He was the longest tenured driver in the Cup series. Very similar to Kobe, just I don’t know, it just seemed like there were a lot of parallels to me about their stature, not only in the sport itself, but how they made everyone else feel.

Denny Hamlin added.

The loss of Busch is something that would take decades for the sport to overcome and the legacy he left behind most probably won’t be matched by anyone in the sport. It would be interesting see how the rest of garage is going to remember the veteran and show their honor is the coming days.

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