Tom Cruise honors late NASCAR champion Kyle Busch at Daytona

Actor Tom Cruise honored late NASCAR champion Kyle Busch on Saturday, Aug. 29, during a drivers meeting at Daytona International Speedway. Cruise sat beside a chair reserved for Busch, who died on May 21 at age 41 following complications from severe pneumonia and sepsis. The actor participated in the meeting while preparing for an upcoming sequel to the film Days of Thunder, a movie previously identified as a favorite of the late driver. Samantha Busch recently made her first public appearance since the loss, receiving an award for The Bundle of Joy Fund, a foundation she and her husband established. Fans and the racing community acknowledged the gesture, noting the respect shown to the legacy of the former champion. The Coca-Cola Zero Sugar 400 race took place at the venue following the meeting.

• 7:26 PMYahoo Sports — Tom Cruise Honors Late NASCAR Star Kyle Busch with Touching Gesture at Daytona