Kyle Busch died Thursday afternoon at age 41. Greg Atkins-Imagn Images

NASCAR drivers react to death of icon Kyle Busch

By Samuel Stubbs | Last updated May 21, 2026 6:44 PM ET

The NASCAR industry reacted Thursday to the tragic passing of NASCAR champion Kyle Busch, who died Thursday afternoon at age 41.

"Absolutely cannot comprehend this news," said Denny Hamlin, who was teammates with Busch at Joe Gibbs Racing from 2008-22. "We just need to think of his family during this time. We love you, KB."

John Hunter Nemechek raced with Busch as a Cup Series competitor but also drove for him in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2021 and 2022.

"It's hard to put into words what Kyle Busch has meant to me throughout my life and career," Nemechek said. "From the time I was young, Kyle believed in me, gave me opportunities, pushed me to be better, we had so many hard fought battles and always someone I could lean on.

pic.twitter.com/cfnCrY8j0N
— John Hunter Nemechek (@JHNemechek) May 21, 2026

"He's been more than a mentor to me. He's been a longtime friend and someone I've looked up to for so many years."

"I'm in shock and speechless," said Mark Martin, who raced with Busch from the time Busch's career started until the former's retirement in 2013.

I’m in shock and speechless.
— Mark Martin (@markmartin) May 21, 2026

"At a loss for words," said Cup Series rookie Connor Zilisch. "Thinking and praying for the entire Busch family. Godspeed my friend."

Samuel Stubbs

Hailing from the same neck of the woods as NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, Samuel has been covering NASCAR for Yardbarker since February 2024. He has been a member of the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) since October of 2024. When he’s not writing about racing, Samuel covers Arkansas Razorback basketball for Yardbarker

More must-reads: