NASCAR lost Kyle Busch on May 21, but the sport’s fans and drivers ensured he left with one of his most prized possessions. Kyle Busch has now won the award posthumously that he always wanted, but said he never would receive—the National Motorsports Press Association’s NASCAR Cup Series Most Popular Driver. Busch’s wife, Samantha, said she wants to cry when she thinks about the moment the news broke. She added that Kyle would have been thrilled, noting that he often tried to rally the fan support he felt he deserved.
Support from the Garage
Busch did not win the award during his career. He died after pneumonia progressed into sepsis, meaning he received the trophy after his passing. The gesture comes shortly after Chase Elliott voluntarily stepped aside from the voting ballot. Elliott, who had held the award for eight consecutive years, asked fans to vote for Busch instead. Elliott’s decision mirrors that of his father, Bill Elliott, who stepped aside in 2001 after Dale Earnhardt’s death.
The move sparked a wave of support across the garage. Drivers like Kyle Larson joined Elliott in urging fans to cast their votes for Busch. Samantha Busch called the unity among the competitors a sign of the sport’s family atmosphere. She said the drivers’ willingness to come together showed the respect they had for Kyle.
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For their two children, Brexton and Lennix, the news was a source of excitement. Samantha said Brexton reacted with disbelief and joy when he heard his father had won.
Posthumous Recognition
Busch received the honor after passing away on May 21. His wife Samantha Busch said he always wanted the award but never expected to win it. She noted he was very competitive and would call NASCAR to check the numbers if he felt he was close.
Legacy Beyond the Track
In addition to the Most Popular Driver honor, Busch and Greg Biffle were named co-champions of the 2026 Comcast Community Champion of the Year Award. Both men were honored posthumously. Each of their designated funds will receive $60,000. The Bundle of Joy Fund, which Busch supported, focuses on helping others become parents. Samantha said, “We talk about Kyle and his legacy. Brexton and Lennix are the biggest legacy,” and added that knowing what The Bundle of Joy Fund meant to him and seeing Comcast recognize all the work he put into it, they will have the ability to help other people become parents because that was something so special for Kyle.