Indy 500 Pulls Off Emotional Kyle Busch Tribute On Lap 18 Sunday

The 2026 Indy 500 paid tribute to late NASCAR driver Kyle Busch on Sunday afternoon, May 24.

At the start of the 18th lap at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the entire sport paid tribute to Busch, as his name and date of birth and passing date appeared on the pole.

IndyCar on FOX paid special tribute to Busch and his family in the moment, as well. Busch, 41, died from complications of pneumonia on Thursday, May 21.

Busch's family released a statement.

"The medical evaluation provided to the Busch Family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications," the Busch family statement read. "The Family asks for continued understanding and privacy during this difficult time."

Busch had hoped to do a Indy 500, Coca-Cola 600 double

Busch met his wife, Samantha, at the 2.5-mile oval raceway. He long considered it among his favorite tracks.

In fact, he had hoped to pursue the legendary Indy 500, Coca-Cola 600 double.

"I had it (a deal) done last year, sold it and everything," Busch said in 2017 when asked about competing in the Indy 500, per the Associated Press. "I had a boss that said no."

The Indy 500 long remained an attraction for Busch.

"I thought I had a great opportunity to do it (in May), but I'm kind of glad it didn't come together because (Fernando) Alonso kind of stole the headlines the last time it was done," Busch added in 2017. "It would be fun. It would be a unique opportunity. The thing that scares my boss is that I've never driven those cars."

On Sunday, all of IndyCar is remembering the late, great NASCAR driver. May he rest in peace.

The 2026 Indy 500 is airing live on FOX on Sunday afternoon.

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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 10:26 AM.