Reaction mounted throughout the evening as drivers, teams and tracks honored Busch, who is widely regarded as one of NASCAR's fiercest and most accomplished competitors.
Just one week earlier, Busch celebrated a win in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Dover Motor Speedway in Delaware.
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Lavar Scott, a South Jersey driver who counts Busch among his inspirations, reflected on his impact on the sport.
"When you look at Kyle Bush, you think of the dominance, the complete dominance on the track," Scott said.
Busch, one of the most decorated drivers in NASCAR history, made his debut at just 16 years old and built a career that influenced multiple generations of racers. Scott said Busch remained a larger-than-life figure within the sport, and of the few driver who could leave him star struck.
"We definitely had a few really good conversations. What it says to me, what it shows me, is obviously with hard work, you can be here for a long time and hopefully be a champion and be a winner, but always treat people with respect and be kind to the next generation coming up because that's what he did and everybody looked up to him," Scott said.
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Busch most recently drove the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, based just outside Charlotte, North Carolina.
Former teams Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports issued public condolences, while Pocono Raceway and Dover Motor Speedway also shared tributes online.
Busch's family said earlier Thursday he had been hospitalized with a severe illness.
A cause of death has been announced.
In a joint statement, NASCAR, Busch's team and his family said in part, "His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal 'Rowdy Nation."
For many in the sport, the loss remains difficult to process. Scott said Busch's impact will endure well beyond his career.
"It still doesn't feel real to be honest with you," Scott said. "His legacy will forever, forever be remembered in the sport."
Memorial Day weekend is one of the biggest race weekends of the year with the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte motor Speedway, where Busch was set to compete.