Bubba Wallace Fights Back Tears Recalling Last Conversation with Kyle Busch

Over the years, Kyle Busch mentored and gave opportunities to so many drivers. Through his Kyle Busch Motorsports Truck Series organization, many of the biggest names in the sport came up through KBM. Bubba Wallace is one of those former drivers for Busch.

From 2013 to 2014, Bubba Wallace won five races for KBM in the No. 54 and No. 34 trucks. He came up through that program before his move to Roush Fenway in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2015.

During the Prime Video pre-race show, former KBM drivers were brought up on stage to talk about Busch and any stories they may want to share of him. Wallace fought through tears as he recalled a conversation he had with Busch last summer at Iowa Speedway.

"My last, true conversation, not talking about my racecar is good or tight or loose," Wallace said on the broadcast. "It was the week after Indy last year and at Iowa leaving the drivers meeting, he grabbed me, and he was like, 'I didn't want to be in the spotlight and take your moment away, but I'm so proud of you.'

"And I don't look for confirmation from any of the drivers because we're all out here to compete against each other, but to know that the person that helped mold who you were, is paying attention even though you're running against each other is super empowering and it caught me by surprise, and I'll never forget that moment."

A meaningful story from @BubbaWallace about Kyle Busch. pic.twitter.com/KQlzpW2s86

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 24, 2026

The impact of Rowdy Busch goes far beyond any of his 234 wins. Perhaps it is the wins and championships of the drivers he helped mentor, develop, and mold - that is what will live on far beyond any trophies.

It is always an emotional and profound race for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The loss of Kyle Busch just days before, and all of the dedications and stories about his impact, have created a particularly emotional atmosphere.

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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 5:53 PM.