NASCAR Hall of Famer Kurt Busch shared his experience of using racing to cope with the sudden passing of his younger brother, NASCAR legend Kyle Busch. Kyle passed away in May at the age of 41 due to complications from severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis, according to a family statement.

“When you get behind the wheel, I feel his presence… he sees my mistakes now. I can’t hide them, but racing helps me cope,” Kurt explained on ‘The Big Weekend Show’.

Kurt offered these insights shortly after participating in the IndyCar’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a challenging 1.7-mile course. His comments coincided with the first ‘Kyle Busch Day’ celebrated on August 18, honoring Kyle’s legacy in a nod to his renowned car numbers.

The bond Kurt shared with his brother was both professional and personal. He told Fox News that racing has been a crucial part of his grieving process. “It just feels like someone stole him. It’s still unfathomable,” he expressed.

The loss of Kyle was compounded by the previous tragedy of Greg Biffle, another NASCAR driver and Kurt’s friend, who perished in a plane crash last December.

Kyle, hailed for winning the NASCAR Cup Series twice, is survived by his wife Samantha and their two children. Kurt mentioned that Kyle’s 11-year-old son, Brexton, may someday take on his father’s No. 8 with Richard Childress Racing, who have reserved it for him.

Kurt emphasized the importance of racing for his nephew, “That’s what Kyle would have wanted us to do,” he said. “Racing helps us stay connected to Kyle’s legacy.”

For the Busch family, racing continues to be a way to bond and remember Kyle. Kurt reflects on the emotional struggle, “A lot of ups and downs, just trying to find a middle ground,” he concluded.