Bubba Wallace Reveals Kyle Busch Nearly Cut Him As Driver

Bubba Wallace is continuing to miss Kyle Busch in the wake of his death.

Busch, 41, died from complications of pneumonia last week. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion was hospitalized on Wednesday, May 20, before dying on Thursday, May 21. He ended up getting sepsis from pneumonia, before passing.

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During a recent episode of Racin’ With The Boys, Wallace opened up about Busch and what he meant toward his career. Wallace revealed that he was nearly cut from Kyle Busch Motorsports in 2013.

“I remember after my first season, this goes back to getting cut,” he said. “My first season in trucks I won Martinsville, which was Race 18 of 22. So it was getting towards the end and he sat me down after the season and he was like, ‘If you didn’t win Martinsville, you weren’t coming back. But here you are. Make something happen.’ We went on to win four more the next year. Had a great year. Lost the championship because of Ryan (Blaney). But it is what it is.”

Wallace went on to win four races in the Truck Series in 2014 for Kyle Busch Motorsports. He ended up getting a ride in the Xfinity Series for Roush Fenway Racing the following year.

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Now, he’s one of the top Cup Series drivers.

“When I heard the news I looked around and everything that was in front of me was because of him,” Wallace said. “You know? The life that I have, it all started in the Truck Series, winning my first race. … Kyle was an instrumental part to who I was and what I was about. So definitely miss him. Still think about him every day.”

Busch’s family continues to mourn his death

Busch’s family continues to ask for privacy.

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“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch. A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans. Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR’s highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series. His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation.’ Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha’s parents, Kurt and all of Kyle’s family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans. NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon.

“During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate.”

This story was originally published by The Spun on May 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the NASCAR section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.