11-year-old sons share emotional embrace before pre-race moment of silence

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a touching display of compassion amid grief, Kyle Larson’s son Owen comforted Brexton Busch before the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, just days after Brexton’s father, NASCAR champion Kyle Busch, passed away.

Owen Larson, also 11, walked over to his friend Brexton on the infield and put his arm around him during an emotional tribute honoring the late two-time Cup Series champion. The heartwarming moment, captured on video, quickly went viral as the NASCAR community mourned Busch’s sudden death.

Kyle Busch, 41, died on May 22, 2026, after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, according to a statement from his family. The news shocked the racing world, coming just days before one of NASCAR’s biggest races of the season.

Before the race, a moment of silence was held to honor Busch’s legacy. Brexton, who often attended races with his father, stood with family members wearing a “Battle Busch” shirt. Owen’s simple act of friendship provided a poignant reminder of the close bonds within the NASCAR family during a difficult time.

The NASCAR community continues to pay tribute to Busch, remembered as one of the most successful and competitive drivers in the sport’s history.