Featuring Legends Cars and Bandoleros, dozens of drivers took part in the Kyle Busch Invitational at Bowman Gray Stadium on Friday. All proceeds from the event benefit the Bundle of Joy Fund.
Kyle’s 11-year-old son Brexton was among those competing, and before the green flag flew, and Kyle’s wife Samantha gave a remarkable speech for all those gathered at the historic short track.
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Here is the full transcript of Samantha Busch’s five-minute speech, as well as a video of the incredible moment:
“First, I simply want to say thank you to each and every one of you here tonight. These past few months have been the hardest of our lives and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to fully explain the love and support from all of you and what it has meant to myself, Brexton, Lennix, and our entire family.
“This race was something Kyle really wanted to put together. The excitement in his voice and the twinkle in his eyes when he was telling me about texting Ben, trying to make it happen, was like watching a kid on Christmas. He loved this place. It’s history and the energy here, but more than anything, Kyle loved grassroots racing.
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“It was where his love for this sport began and no matter how far his career took him, he never lost that. He believed in giving young racers a place to learn, compete, and dream big and fall in love with this sport the same way that he did. And for me, having Brexton out here racing tonight makes it even more emotional.
“Racing was such a special bond between Kyle and Brexton. Kyle loved being your dad more than anything and he loved getting to share this sport with him. Watching Brexton continue chasing his dreams without his dad beside him is absolutely heartbreaking.
But I am so grateful for all the people that surround us that love Kyle. Tonight is also incredibly special because this event supports the Bundle of Joy Fund. Kyle and I started the Bundle of Joy Fund from one of the hardest chapters in our own lives.
“We spent almost a decade trying to complete our family. We battled infertility, miscarriages, and IVF and it was extremely difficult, but we knew how fortunate we were to be able to keep trying. We knew we wanted to give that same hope to other couples desperately praying for a family of their own.
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“Fatherhood changed Kyle in the most beautiful ways and it was clear to see how much this mission meant to him. Knowing that something we built together will continue helping families grow by bringing babies into this world for years to come is the most beautiful piece of Kyle’s legacy that we get to carry forward. And when I think about Kyle’s legacy, I know it doesn’t just belong to our family.
“So much of it lives right here in this racing community and with all of you that have supported him, cheered for him, and loved him throughout his entire career. Kyle was a racer to his core, but he knew the sport was nothing without you fans. You all showed up for him, you loved on him, and you are loving on us when we need you the most.
And I am so appreciative. So thank you for being here. Thank you for loving Kyle.
“Thank you for cheering for Brexton and Lennix … Sorry (wipes tears away). Every time you tell a Kyle story, carry a piece of who he was into your own life, you help keep his legacy alive.
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“Work hard, never stop trying to be your best, and stay true to who you are. Those are the things that Kyle lived every day, and I hope that those are the pieces of him that continue to live on in all of us. Racing will never be the same without him.
“Our lives will never be the same without him. But I know Kyle’s love for this sport, his impact on it, and the legacy he left behind, and will continue to do so through all of us. So tonight, let’s do exactly what Kyle had wanted.
“We race on.”
Kyle Busch tribute at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Kyle Busch tribute at Charlotte Motor Speedway
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