NASCAR star Bubba Wallace has issued an emotional, raw statement on Kyle Busch's sudden passing.
The NASCAR community received the tragic news on Thursday, with Busch confirmed to have died at the age of 41.
At this stage, the cause of the two-time champions death is unclear. We do, however, know that he was hospitalized with a severe illness in recent days, as per the Busch family's statement on Thursday.
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Bubba Wallace statement on Kyle Busch death
Naturally, tributes have been rolling in from all corners of the NASCAR community, with Wallace now the latest to share how he's feeling about the tragedy.
Wallace and Busch had a close relationship, with Wallace having gotten his first full-time ride in NASCAR at Kyle Busch Motorsports in the Truck Series back in 2013.
Wallace went on to race for KBM for two full seasons, winning five races, including his final one for the team at Homestead in 2014.
Taking to Instagram on Thursday night, Wallace had understandably been hit hard by the news: "My eyes hurt from all the crying, my heart hurts from the pain. Just Sunday, mid-race I thought about Kyle Busch and the one of many lessons that he had taught me. “Is it loose? Drive thru it and trust it."
"Kyle was a monumental factor in who Bubba Wallace is today. I sit here and look at all things around me and all the things I’ve been able to accomplish..Kyle played a role in every aspect. That’s what hurts the most. An icon and a legend that I looked up to…is no longer with us.
"Myself along with many other drivers, crew chiefs, mechanics, etc… learned so much from Kyle. His legacy will continue to transcend in this sport for years to come.
"Honored to have shared the same race track with one of the best to ever do it. Thank you for all you’ve done for me. I will miss my drafting buddy on the plate races. Rest easy my brother. Love to you and your family!"
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