Kyle Busch’s 11-year-old son, Brexton, has shared a deeply emotional tribute following the sudden death of his father, the NASCAR star who passed away at 41.

Busch died on Thursday after being hospitalized with a severe illness, just days after celebrating a victory at the Ecosave 200, leaving the racing world in shock.

In a quiet but powerful gesture, Brexton updated his Instagram profile picture to a photo of himself hugging his father after a race. The image shows Kyle Busch in full racing gear holding his son close while clutching a checkered flag following a victory, a moment now seen as especially meaningful in hindsight.

The photo was taken during celebrations at Echo Park Speedway in February, when Busch competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Brexton, already making a name for himself in youth racing, has followed closely in his father’s footsteps. Despite being just 11, he has already collected multiple wins, including a Golden Driller trophy, and is widely viewed as one of the sport’s rising young talents.

On his Instagram, Brexton also has a pinned post featuring a montage of his own racing highlights alongside moments with his father.

“I’m chasing my dream of being just like my dad, a multi-time NASCAR Cup Series champion!” he wrote.

Support for the young driver has poured in online, with fans flooding his posts with messages of encouragement.

“Brexton, your dad’s impact on the world was massive, but nothing made him shine brighter than watching you race and grow,” one fan wrote. “He will always be riding shotgun with you. Stay strong.”

“Show the world who’s boss. Do it for dad!” another commented.

“Praying for you buddy. You’re gonna be a legend one day and Daddy will see every moment of that. Rest in peace,” a third added.

Just days before his death, Busch had celebrated Brexton’s birthday with a heartfelt message on Instagram.

“Happy Birthday Brexton!!! Your mom & I are so proud of who you’re turning out to be! You’re the best kid on & off the track, you amaze us every day,” Busch wrote. “Keep doing what you’re doing and there is no limit to what you’ll accomplish! Love you buddy!”

That post has since taken on even deeper emotional weight for fans.

In another major tribute, Busch’s NASCAR team Richard Childress Racing confirmed that his iconic No. 8 car number will be temporarily retired and preserved for his son.

“Richard Childress Racing has elected to suspend use of the No. 8 and will run the No. 33 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and beyond,” the team said. “Kyle Busch was instrumental in the design of RCR’s stylized No. 8 and it has become synonymous with Kyle and an important symbol for his fans and the NASCAR industry. The No. 8 is reserved and ready for Brexton Busch when he is ready to go NASCAR racing.”

The racing community has also rallied around Busch’s legacy off the track, with a surge of donations made to The Bundle of Joy Fund, the charity he founded with his wife Samantha to help families struggling with infertility.

The organization helped bring both of their children into the world through IVF and surrogacy.

Kyle Busch’s Cause of death details

According to a statement from the family, Busch’s official medical evaluation confirmed that he died after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, which then triggered rapid and overwhelming complications. The condition escalated quickly in the final days, ultimately leading to his sudden passing.

Further updates are expected as the family continues to ask for privacy during this time.