The Indianapolis 500 opened with a solemn moment, as the crowd rose for a prayer that echoed the name Kyle Busch, a driver whose impact stretched far beyond the track.
A tribute etched in speed
Busch, a two‑time NASCAR Cup Series champion and Brickyard 400 winner, died at 41 after a battle with pneumonia that turned to sepsis, leaving a void in a sport that counted more than 234 victories across its three national series.
Among the tributes, Dale Coyne Racing altered the lettering on Romain Grosjean’s No. 18 car, adopting the same font Busch used during his final years, a subtle but powerful visual homage.
Drivers such as Katherine Legge called Busch “one of the greatest drivers of all time,” while Josef Newgarden expressed shock, describing the loss as “unthinkable” for the entire racing fraternity.
The honor continued on lap 18 of the race, where Busch’s legacy was highlighted, and the gesture was repeated throughout the event, underscoring the deep respect he commanded.