Kyle Busch, the celebrated NASCAR driver who passed away earlier this year, has been selected in Maine’s annual moose lottery for an antlered October permit.
A posthumous tribute in the wilderness
The announcement comes despite Busch’s death in May at the age of 41, a result of complications from severe pneumonia and sepsis. Though his career took him across the country, the racer maintained ties to the Pine Tree State, having competed in Oxford in both 2011 and 2024.
Maine’s wildlife authorities noted that roughly 3,700 antlered moose permits were issued this year, and state law permits the holder to transfer the tag to a family member if the original recipient is unable to use it.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, which administers the lottery, emphasized that the selection honors the late driver’s connection to the region while underscoring the state’s ongoing efforts to manage its moose population.
Busch’s legacy in motorsports, including his championship pedigree and his long‑standing relationship with teams such as Dale Coyne Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing, continues to resonate beyond the track, now reflected in an unexpected natural‑resource honor.