Tom Cruise honors Kyle Busch at Daytona with emotional tribute

During the pre-race drivers meeting at Daytona International Speedway on August 29, Tom Cruise paid tribute to Kyle Busch by patting an empty chair reserved for the late driver. Busch, who passed away on May 21, was a prominent figure in NASCAR with 63 Cup Series victories and two championships. NASCAR has continued to honor him through various tributes, including silent laps at races and the creation of the Rowdy Trophy, which was awarded earlier this month. The Coke Zero Sugar 400 also featured a silent lap in memory of Busch. The emotional moment coincided with Cruise promoting the sequel to 'Days of Thunder,' tying together Busch's legacy and NASCAR traditions.

• 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — Tom Cruise Patted Kyle Busch’s Empty Chair at Daytona — and NASCAR Had More Tributes Where That Came From