So, for a lot of NASCAR fans, especially the newer ones, Kyle Busch is simply the villain (or should we say the ‘antihero’) in the black hat. He’s the person who gathered jeers, talked trash, won races, and somehow managed to support all of it on the racetrack. However, the response to Busch’s death in recent days has demonstrated that there was much more to him than simply rivalry and trophies. Even NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell is now discussing the enormous cultural influence Kyle Busch had outside of the garage, with government-level honors announced ahead of the Coca-Cola 600.

Historic tribute proves why Kyle Busch was bigger than racing

“Look no further than our Governor’s signature to order the flags of the U.S. and North Carolina to be put at half mast just to talk about the totality of Kyle’s impact,” NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell said during his emotional address to NASCAR drivers ahead of tonight’s Coca-Cola 600.

It served as one of the most obvious reminders that Kyle Busch was more than simply a racing car driver. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein issued an order for all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state institutions to fly at half-staff from dawn on Saturday to sunset on Sunday in remembrance of Kyle Busch, who passed away earlier this week. Additionally, Stein urged non-state facilities and private companies around North Carolina to follow suit. The move is often reserved for times of significant public sorrow. For instance, in remembrance of national tragedy victims, military heroes, or political figures.

“Kyle Busch was not just a talented and record-setting driver; he was also a kind person. His loss will be felt throughout the entire NASCAR community and well beyond. Anna and I send our deepest condolences to the Busch family during this incredibly difficult time. May his memory be a blessing,” a public statement released by Governor Stein read.

Busch stopped responding on May 20 while taking part in Chevrolet’s Driver in the Loop simulator testing program at the GM Technical Center in Concord, North Carolina, according to the Associated Press. Before being taken to the hospital, Busch had been having trouble breathing and coughing up blood, according to emergency dispatch records. Busch’s family revealed on May 23 that he had died from acute pneumonia that had developed into sepsis.

That statement from Steve O’Donnell and Gov. Stein, in many respects, sums up why the response to Kyle Busch’s death has been so widespread outside of the racetrack. Even after becoming one of NASCAR’s greatest stars, Busch continued to promote grassroots short-track racing for years. He regularly attended local dirt tracks and lower-level racing events. Additionally, he had a strong commitment to supporting the growth of new racers, particularly his son Brexton, whose racing career played a significant role in Kyle Busch’s life outside of NASCAR.

Similarly, after openly discussing their personal difficulties conceiving, Busch and his spouse, Samantha Busch, went on to become prominent proponents of infertility awareness. Together, they established the Samantha and Kyle Busch Bundle of Joy Fund. The organization assisted families dealing with the tremendous financial and emotional strain of IVF procedures.

Even Kyle Busch’s horrific Daytona crash in 2015 changed the sport for the better. Busch became one of the most vocal advocates for NASCAR and track owners to raise safety standards by eliminating hazardous grass-covered sections from tracks around the country after sustaining serious leg injuries after colliding with a grass-lined inner wall.

In the end, whether they loved or despised him, Kyle Busch the driver was the main topic of contention among fans for years. But this week has revealed something much bigger. The tributes, the anecdotes, the statewide honors, and the condolences coming in from far beyond the NASCAR community have demonstrated that Kyle Busch’s impact extended to areas that many in the sport most likely were unaware of when he was still here with us.