NASCAR star Denny Hamlin has paid tribute to former teammate and rival Kyle Busch after his tragic death was confirmed.

The NASCAR community was rocked on Thursday when it was announced that Busch had died at the age of 41.

Earlier in the day, the Busch family had confirmed that he had been hospitalized with a serious illness, and the tragic news followed just hours later.

KYLE BUSCH: Remembering 'Rowdy' after NASCAR legend's tragic death at 41

Denny Hamlin pays tribute to Kyle Busch

Hamlin and Busch drove together at Joe Gibbs Racing from 2008 through 2022, both enjoying huge success during that period.

In fact, Busch previously held the record for the most Cup Series wins at JGR with 56, but Hamlin surpassed that number at Michigan last June, and has since gone on to take his tally to 61.

Initially reacting to the news on X, like all of us, Hamlin was struggling to process what he was reading.

"Absolutely cannot comprehend this news. We just need to think of his family during this time. We love you KB," a shocked Hamlin wrote.

The Joe Gibbs Racing star would later take to Instagram, adding: "We’ve lost our Kobe Bryant. Today we mourn. Forever we remember. Rest in peace Kyle."

\

KYLE BUSCH: Dale Earnhardt Jr. issues emotional tribute after NASCAR legend's tragic passing