Kyle Busch’s legacy honored by North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein this weekend
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein honored Kyle Busch’s legacy on Friday by ordering all U.S. and N.C. flags to half-staff at state facilities from sunrise Saturday through sunset Sunday.
A medical evaluation revealed the 41-year-old NASCAR superstar died Thursday after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, “resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications,” according to a statement released by his family Saturday morning.
“Kyle Busch was not just a talented and record-setting driver; he was also a kind person,” Stein said in a statement about the two-time NASCAR Cup series champion. Busch won more races than anyone across NASCAR’s three national series.
Busch was in his 22nd full-time season in the Cup series and was scheduled to compete in Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord.
“His loss will be felt throughout the entire NASCAR community and well beyond,” Stein said. “Anna and I send our deepest condolences to the Busch family during this incredibly difficult time. May his memory be a blessing.”
State officials urged everyone, including businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government entities to fly flags at half-staff through sunset Sunday.
State and U.S. flags will also be flown at half-staff in North Carolina from sunrise to noon on Monday in honor of Memorial Day.
This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 8:30 AM with the headline "Kyle Busch’s legacy honored by North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein this weekend."