NASCAR legend Richard Petty says he is “absolutely heartbroken” after the shocking reported death of Kyle Busch at just 41 years old — a tragedy that has left racing fans across the world in disbelief. 🏁💔 In an emotional statement, Petty reflects on Busch’s fearless career, unforgettable rivalries, and the impact he had on an entire generation of NASCAR drivers and supporters. 😭 From championship glory to the moments that made him one of the sport’s most controversial and unforgettable stars, fans are now revisiting the legacy of a man who changed racing forever.

(WGHP) — As NASCAR fans in the Piedmont Triad grieve the loss of Kyle Busch on Thursday, Richard Petty shared a message of mourning.

“The Petty Family is absolutely heartbroken. This is truly unbelievable. Our hearts and prayers go out to Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, and the entire Busch family,” he said on social media on Thursday afternoon.

The Petty Family is absolutely heartbroken. This is truly unbelievable. Our hearts and prayers go out to Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, and the entire Busch family. pic.twitter.com/A4yjvvTLuu

— Richard Petty (@therichardpetty) May 21, 2026

No other NASCAR driver has won as many races as Busch. He has 234 career wins under his belt.

He has the most wins of any driver in the history of the truck series with 69 wins. In that circuit, he has seven titles.

He added an O’Reilly Series championship in 2009.

After making the jump to the Cup series, he won two Cup series championships. He also won two regular-season titles.

Growing up in Las Vegas, he was pushed at every step by his older brother, Kurt Busch.

Along the way to greatness, he was a polarizing figure to his fans and peers and earned nicknames like “Rowdy” and “The Wild Thing.”

He had no problems ruffling feathers while building a legacy that everyone who loves NASCAR will never forget.