NASCAR CEO Delivers Heartfelt Press Conference About Kyle Busch

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NASCAR CEO Delivers Heartfelt Press Conference About Kyle Busch

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Thomas Carelli | Last updated May 22, 2026 6:46 PM ET

The NASCAR community has been shocked as racing legend Kyle Busch tragically passed away on Thursday, May 21. Many questions will be answered in due time, but for now, we gather for a bittersweet weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600.

Before Friday evening's events, NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell took the podium to address the NASCAR community.

More Kyle Busch Updates

"Kyle Busch has been full of fire... didn't give a damn...," O'Donnell remarked when beginning his address. O'Donnell explained that NASCAR's weekly racing is like a family reunion. He explained that families don't always get along, noting that Busch may have rubbed drivers the wrong way but has also been beloved and respected by all. That is 'Rowdy' Busch and what he was.

"Kyle Busch lived just about every chapter that you can in NASCAR," O'Donnell said about Busch. He began his career in 2004, and much has transpired since then, including numerous changes in the series, as well as achieving his 2-Cup Series Championships and over 200 national series races.

O'Donnell considers Busch a First-ballot Hall of Famer. He later shared a story about NASCAR's international star in the Cup Series, Daniel Suarez. O'Donnell revealed that Busch called Suarez every single week amid his NASCAR rookie season. It says a lot about Busch as a person: a great supporter off the track.

Steve O'Donnell Hosts Press Conference at Charlotte Motor Speedway. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)(Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)

NASCAR's CEO shared a few short stories during his press conference. He shows just how important it is to remember our loved ones in times of despair. That is the best way to remember those who have passed away.

"I think about Kyle Busch in NASCAR... I think he defines what it means to be in NASCAR.... the fire... the heart, the sport is truly lucky to have him." "We are going to do our damn best at remembering his legacy," O'Donnell ensured.

"Kyle Busch, to me, is an American badass," O'Donnell remarked. He stated how NASCAR opened its 2026 season with a new marketing campaign, "Hell Yeah!" It featured how NASCAR is raw, unapologetic, gritty, and emotional. Busch was just that.

O'Donnell confirms that NASCAR and its partners have many plans underway to honor Busch's legacy over the coming weeks. Fans should stay tuned for further announcements from NASCAR and its teams in the coming days and weeks.

When asked whether NASCAR has any plans to change the racing schedule, he remarked, "Kyle Busch would be pretty pissed if we didn't race."

"What can you say to the fans?" O'Donnell was asked. "I am one of them." He reminds us that we can only talk about the legend and remember him, and that he will make sure everyone is in a good place.

NASCAR's CEO tells media that he first received a phone call about the incident at about 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 21.

There is much to be unraveled over the time to come. The press conference ultimately served as a tribute to the legend and a chance to talk to fans. Busch is not lost, and nor will he ever be.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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