Tennessee basketball head coach Rick Barnes admitted he was left stunned after learning of Kyle Busch’s tragic death at the age of 41.
The longtime NASCAR fan reflected on Busch’s passing while also praising the emotional tribute NASCAR delivered during last weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
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Barnes said the death of one of NASCAR’s most recognizable drivers remains difficult to process, especially given Busch’s age and relentless competitive mindset.
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Rick Barnes was stunned by Kyle Busch’s death
Speaking to OutKick (via Fox News), Barnes explained how deeply the news affected him as both a sports fan and someone who grew up around racing culture in North Carolina.
The Tennessee head coach spent part of his childhood attending races in Hickory and has remained a close follower of NASCAR throughout his life.
“Being a NASCAR fan, I was shocked, I couldn’t believe it,” Barnes said.
“I was really in disbelief because I was thinking of Kyle Busch at 41 years old and wondering how could this possibly happen.”
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“As I’ve followed it very closely I just think it got to a point where when you’re his age you probably feel like you can overcome everything, and keep going.”
“It sounds like he pushed himself really to almost like a tragic death.”
Barnes also reflected on Busch reportedly continuing to work despite severe illness symptoms before his hospitalization.
“I can only imagine what it’s like for him, I’ve had double-pneumonia and I know what I felt like.”
“I can only imagine him climbing into that simulator with those g-forces coming at him, it had to just totally overwhelm his whole…he probably couldn’t move.”
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The emotional reaction from Barnes echoed the wider response seen throughout NASCAR following Busch’s passing.
NASCAR’s Coca Cola 600 tribute left a major impression
The Fox News report detailed several emotional moments from NASCAR’s tribute ceremony during the Coca Cola 600 weekend.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. featured in the opening Amazon Prime montage before NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell addressed fans alongside Samantha Busch and the Busch children.
Drivers also joined the Busch family on the grid while “Amazing Grace” played across Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Speaking to OutKick, Barnes praised NASCAR for the way the sport honored Busch during the emotional weekend.
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“I have great respect for NASCAR because I think they have the beat on America,” Barnes said.
“The way they respect what’s come before them, they’ve never lost their way in terms of history.”
“They’ve totally continued to honor that.”
“You have a guy who is truly one of the greatest ever, I thought they did a great job with that.”
“The sad part obviously is his wife and two kids right there, knowing that I think he wanted to one day race his son, which is what makes NASCAR so beautiful.”
Busch’s death has continued to send shockwaves across American motorsports, with tributes arriving from NASCAR, IndyCar, the NHL, MLB and several major sports figures throughout the past week.
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