Danica Patrick responds to Kyle Busch’s passing: ‘It still doesn’t feel real’

Reflection on Kyle Busch’s Sudden Passing

Former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick has expressed her shock over the unexpected loss of Kyle Busch. Busch passed away on Thursday at the age of 41, and Patrick noted that the reality of his death still hasn’t quite set in.

“I think we’re all in shock. It’s just sad,” Patrick shared during a recent appearance on a show. “Honestly, it was something no one saw coming. When I first heard something was wrong, I assumed it was a driving incident, but it turned out to be something completely different.”

She mentioned that this is a tough time not only for Busch’s family but also for the entire NASCAR community. “This is a devastating loss for Samantha, Brexton, Lennox, Kurt, and his parents, as well as everyone in racing,” Patrick said. “Regardless of opinions about him, Kyle was a real person, a divisive figure, and an exceptional driver, recognized as one of the best in NASCAR history. It’s a loss that resonates in so many ways.”

Patrick highlighted Busch’s remarkable achievements, including being a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and the most successful driver in the history of the NASCAR National Touring Series.

Reflecting on what made Busch exceptional, Patrick noted that he excelled due to his frequent racing. “People often ask me, what does it take to be a great driver? Kyle has always stood out in my mind for this. When he was on the track, he could shift his concentration in a unique way,” she remarked.

Busch also holds the record for the most wins in both the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, with a total of 102 and 69 wins respectively, along with an impressive streak of 19 consecutive winning seasons.

In her closing thoughts, Patrick said, “Drivers who can tap into that next level tend to be the best. Kyle was undeniably fast, driven, and always striving to be number one.”

Patrick, who raced in NASCAR’s top series from 2012 to 2018, had her share of challenges, accumulating seven top-10 finishes and one pole position in 191 races.