Las Vegas Pays Homage to Hometown Hero Kyle Busch with Memorial Rock and Extensive Race Weekend Tributes

Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS) and the adjacent 0.375-mile Bullring have spent the race weekend paying heartfelt tribute to Las Vegas native and two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch. Busch tragically passed away suddenly in May at the age of 41, just days after securing his 234th and final NASCAR victory in a Truck race at Dover.

Following the sudden news of Busch’s passing, fans from Nevada quickly gathered at LVMS to construct a makeshift memorial at the track. A highly decorated driver, Busch secured seven victories across all three national NASCAR divisions at LVMS and spent his formative years claiming countless wins at the Bullring.

As NASCAR returns to Las Vegas for the first time without its legendary ‘Rowdy’ competitor, the speedway has ensured that Busch is remembered through a comprehensive series of touching tributes.

Memorial Rock

Kyle Busch’s wife, Samantha, his children Brexton and Lennix, his brother Kurt, and parents Tom and Gaye were all present for the unveiling of a memorial rock dedicated to ‘KB’ just outside the Bullring. The monument features his signature bow. Actor Michael Rooker, whose iconic Days of Thunder character ‘Rowdy’ Burns inspired Busch’s famous nickname, also attended the moving ceremony.

Busch family members gather for Kyle Busch memorial rock dedication

Photo by: Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Kyle Busch Classic

The ‘Kyle Busch Classic’ took center stage at the Bullring, hosting a series of races across multiple divisions. Kyle’s son, Brexton, had the honor of waving the green flag for the ARCA Menards West Series race, while ‘Forever Rowdy’ was prominently painted on the track walls. Later that evening, Brexton also competed in a Legends Car race at the venue.

Brexton Busch waves the green flag

Photo by: Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

Road dedication and pace car drive for Kurt

In a lasting tribute outside the track boundaries, two key roads were renamed in honor of both Kyle and his brother, fellow Cup Series champion Kurt Busch. The intersections leading into the Bullring are now designated as ‘Rowdy Road’ and ‘Busch Brothers Drive.’ Both champion brothers began their illustrious winning careers at this very short track.

Kurt Busch is set to drive the pace car ahead of Sunday’s Cup Series race, which will feature a special commemorative sticker honoring Kyle. Both brothers achieved Cup victories at LVMS, with Kyle taking the checkered flag in 2009 and Kurt following in his footsteps during the 2020 season.

New road signs honoring Kyle Busch and Kurt Busch near Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Photo by: Dan Trobaugh (LVMS) of Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Signage and other tributes

In keeping with the widespread tributes across the NASCAR community, a black No. 8 has been stenciled into the infield grass in Busch’s memory. Beyond this, the track has woven his legacy into nearly every corner: ‘Forever Rowdy’ signage towers above the circuit, an M&M’s Kyle Busch car is on display, and his 2019 championship trophy is showcased for the fans. Additionally, a tribute wall has been erected in the concourse near the pedestrian tunnel entrance, allowing fans to leave personal messages of remembrance. The weekend will culminate in a silent Lap 8 tribute during the upcoming Cup Series race.

Fans sign the tribute board for Kyle Busch at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

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Kyle Larson’s tribute paint scheme

While not officially organized by LVMS, a highly personal tribute will be seen on track. Hendrick Motorsports and Kyle Larson will honor Busch with a special livery, recreating the iconic No. 5 Kellogg’s car he drove early in his Cup Series career—where he earned his first wins with the team. The car features the nickname ‘Tiny Kyle’ above the door, a nod to Busch’s affectionate moniker for his long-time friend and fierce competitor.

Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Photo by: Matthew Bolt via Getty Images

Additional pictures from the track, honoring Kyle ‘Rowdy’ Busch

Fans react to Kyle Busch’s name and No. 8 on Richard Childress Racing hauler

Photo by: Jeff Speer / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Kyle Busch’s 2019 NASCAR Cup Series championship trophy

Photo by: Jeff Speer / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Kyle Busch tribute flag

Photo by: Dan Trobaugh (LVMS) of Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Kyle Busch M&M’s No. 18

Photo by: Chris Trim of Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

‘Forever Rowdy’ tribute on the wall at the Bullring

Photo by: Will Lester/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Samantha Busch,left, wife of the late Kyle Busch, is greeted by a race fan following a ceremony at the Kyle Busch Memorial Rock

Photo by: Will Lester of Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

A Kyle Busch fan poses for a photo in front of he rock memorial

Photo by: Chris Williams/LVMS/con Sportswire

Samantha Busch, widow of the late Kyle Busch, stands with their children Brexton, 11, and Lennix, 4, during pre race ceremonies at The Bullring

Photo by: Will Lester Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

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