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Indy 500 Holds Tributes for Late NASCAR Champion Kyle Busch

PUBLISHED May 24, 2026, 4:10 PM ET

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Indianapolis — At the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, teams and event officials publicly honored Kyle Busch following his death Thursday at age 41. Dale Coyne Racing changed the font on Romain Grosjean's No. 18 to echo Busch's Joe Gibbs Racing livery; race organizers included Busch in the opening prayer and on the scoring pylon. The tributes included lighting the scoring pylon on Lap 18 with Busch's name and birth year, and multiple public mentions during race-day ceremonies. Katherine Legge, after returning to Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, described the mood as "desperately sad," while organizers and teams maintained visible commemorations throughout the event on Sunday.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Busch built a career with Joe Gibbs Racing over 14 seasons, accumulating 234 wins.
He won two NASCAR Cup Series championships and two Brickyard 400 races during his career.
Busch died Thursday at age 41; family reported severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis.
Friday, Katherine Legge returned to Indianapolis Motor Speedway and commented on the sadness among peers.
Sunday at the Indianapolis 500, teams and officials held tributes including a car font change, opening prayer mention, and Lap 18 scoreboard lighting.

News Intelligence

Kyle Busch's sudden death is a reminder of life's fragility. His career achievements, including 234 wins and two NASCAR Cup Series championships, inspire many. If you're a fan, you might feel a sense of loss. It's okay to grieve. Reach out to fellow fans or loved ones for support.

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