Samantha Busch full speech from emotional Kyle Busch Invitational

Kurt Busch has opened up about the final moments he spent with his late brother Kyle on the TODAY show. The two-time Cup Series champion passed away in May, and Kurt gave his first network television interview since. He admitted to fighting back tears throughout the conversation. Kyle was a defining figure of his generation, and the loss has deeply shaken the NASCAR community.

For Kurt, the grief is far more personal, and he has not held back on the details of his brother's final hours. He recalled being at the hospital, hoping and praying for a turnaround. His father chose not to see Kyle in that condition, so Kurt stayed with him, holding onto him until the end. Kurt shared the words he said to Kyle: "I got you, man.

Come on. I got you. I got you. Come on. Be strong. Just wasn't fair." He also opened up on the pressure drivers face to race through illness. Many drivers push through, even with health issues, as there is a concern that someone else will fill in for them if they don't. The interview also touched on Kyle's 11-year-old son, Brexton, who has taken on a mentor role in the family.

Kurt has watched Brexton race and carry the family name forward. He admires the young prodigy, who has already been racing like an 18-year-old at just 11 years old. What Kurt misses most is the quiet bond they shared on the track. They were carbon copies of each other, and Kurt misses the on-track camaraderie they had. They could speak to each other without saying a word.

Despite the grief, Kurt believes Kyle's presence will not fade away. Through Brexton and the memories they have shared on tarmac across the country, Kyle's spirit will remain in NASCAR.