Kyle Busch's 11-year-old son takes big step in racing world nearly two weeks after his dad's stunning death

NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, 41, tragically died from severe pneumonia that escalated into sepsis, his family confirmed. Dr. Cedric Rutland, a pulmonary critical care physician and American Lung Association spokesperson, explains how pneumonia's inflammation and infection can overwhelm the body.

Brexton Busch, the 11-year-old son of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch, returned to the racetrack Tuesday for the first time since his dad's death nearly two weeks ago.

Busch ran practice laps at Charlotte Motor Speedway ahead of the CookOut Summer Shootout, a Legend Car Series race. Kyle Busch, 41, died unexpectedly late last month after a battle with pneumonia turned into sepsis.

A private memorial was held for Busch on Tuesday afternoon. The family announced that a public memorial would take place later this year.

Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 7 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, and his son Brexton Busch walk onstage during driver introductions before the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fr8 Racing 208 at Echo Park Speedway in Hampton, Ga., on Feb. 21, 2026. (Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

"On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch," the family said in a statement following Busch's death on May 21.

TWO-TIME NASCAR CUP SERIES CHAMPION KYLE BUSCH TRAGICALLY DIES AT 41 AFTER HOSPITALIZATION

"Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch. A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans."

Busch was a two-time Cup champion and undoubtedly a future Hall of Famer. He'd been in