May 24, 2026, 10:00 AM CUT

Danica Patrick & Lewis Hamilton Pay Respects to Motorsport Icon Kyle Busch

Danica Patrick and Lewis Hamilton have paid their respect to NASCAR legend Kyle Busch. For the past two decades, Busch brought the storm to the NASCAR world, but that storm tragically fell silent on Thursday, May 21, leaving the NASCAR world in shock.

Busch passed away hours after he was hospitalised citing "severe illness." In a subsequent statement put out by the two-time NASCAR champions' family on Saturday, it was revealed that he suffered from severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis.

His sudden death sent shock waves across the sporting world, drawing reaction from drivers and insiders alike. Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton shared an Instagram story to honor Busch. He reposted NASCAR's tribute post and wrote:

"Truly sad, rest in peace".

Danica Patrick, during her appearance on the "Don't @ me with Dan Dakich,"spoke about the two-time NASCAR Cup Series driver's ability as a driver to go ‘next level’.

"I get asked, like, ‘What does it take to be a great driver?’ And many times I’ve referred to this scenario, and Kyle Busch has always been in my mind as the driver that does this the best. But when a driver is out there on track, this is almost like an altered state of focus,” she said.

Patrick emphasized how Kyle Busch could achieve that flow state consistently, adding:

"The drivers that could access that next level of like, go mode were able to be the best drivers. In my mind, I was thinking about him, but he was able to get to that next level so often. He was just incredibly fast and incredibly passionate and always wanted to be the best."

Over his career, which spanned over two decades, Kyle Busch racked up 234 wins across all three national divisions of NASCAR. He also holds the record for the most wins in the Truck Series with 69 wins.

"Rowdy" has not only left a gaping talent hole in the NASCAR garage but also countless memories and inspiration for the next generation of NASCAR drivers.

Ross Chastain Pays Tribute to Kyle Busch After O'Reilly Win At Charlotte

The rain-shortened O'Reilly race on Saturday night wrapped up under the caution. It was Ross Chastain who took home the win. This marked his third career victory in the series.

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 15: Kyle Busch 8 Richard Childress Racing zone Jalapeno Lime Chevrolet waves to the crowd prior to the running of the 68th NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Daytona 500 on February 15, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: FEB 15 NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602152098500

While celebrating in the victory lane, Chastain paid tribute to Kyle Busch. He stood on top of his car and put his hand at his waist as he bowed down, replicating Busch's victory celebration.

During his post-race interview, he spoke about coming to terms with the loss of the two-time NASCAR champion. He said:

"This weekend, it’s just incredible trying to grasp losing Kyle. don’t understand how he’s not here racing. I don’t grasp it mentally or spiritually."

Chastain finished his celebration in the victory lane with his signature watermelon smash. During the 91-lap race, Chastain led the race high of 28 laps.

Meanwhile, Busch’s RCR teammates, Jesse Love and Austin Hill, finished the race in third and fourth. Hill will be driving Busch's car in the Cup series during the Coca-Cola 600.

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Yask Kotak