The motorsports world is grappling with heavy hearts as NASCAR star Kurt Busch mourns the loss of his close friend and former Monster Energy associate, Luke Trembath. The unexpected passing of the Australian snowboarding legend, known as ‘The Dingo’, has sent shockwaves through both their professional circles and their personal lives.
Busch, hailing from Nevada and preparing for his third challenge at the Race of Champions (ROC) in Sydney, Australia, expressed his profound grief on social media. With his eyes set on a potential victory at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, the racer intends to dedicate his performance to his dearly departed friend, Trembath. Yet, the question remains – can Busch triumphantly honor his friend’s memory on such a global stage? Only time will provide the answer.
Luke ‘The Dingo’ Trembath, a beloved figure in the snowboarding community, tragically lost his life at the young age of 38. The cause of his untimely passing remains unclear. Trembath, who started competing at the mere age of nine, quickly rose to prominence and represented Team Australia in numerous global events. His death has deeply affected his family, friends, and the sporting world at large.
The bond between Busch and Trembath was born out of their shared passion for extreme sports, encapsulated in the Monster Energy’s ‘UNLEASHED’ podcast, where they conversed about motorsports, snowboarding, and their shared thirst for thrilling adventures. In his tribute to Trembath, Busch, the ex-23XI Racing driver, wrote, “Rest in peace my friend Luke. Your smile and energy will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to your family. I will race in Australia with your Aussie Dingo spirit sitting shotgun.” His heartfelt message mirrors the deep admiration and friendship he had for the Australian athlete.
Busch is preparing to mark his return to the ROC after an absence since the 2017 event in Miami. Then, he had driven alongside his brother, Kyle Busch, and placed second. This year, he is joining forces with motorsports icon Travis Pastrana to represent Team USA from March 7th to 8th, 2025. What better tribute to his friend than a triumphant win on his friend’s home turf?
Trembath’s death is undoubtedly a significant loss. His charismatic personality and larger-than-life aura made him a beloved figure in the snowboarding community, inspiring countless others to follow his path. Five-time X-Games medalist Jaie Toohey echoed similar sentiments, saying, “One of the most incredible person I’ve ever met with the biggest heart. We shared some pretty amazing memories together throughout all the years we have known each other, and those I will hold onto forever.”
Busch, the 2004 Cup Series champion, is set to make a much-anticipated comeback in motorsports by representing Team USA at the 2025 Race of Champions. He recently received medical clearance to compete in the event, where he will race alongside icons like Sebastian Vettel, Valtteri Bottas, Mick Schumacher, and Johan Kristofferson. The Accor Stadium will transform into a 1 km asphalt track specifically for the star-studded event.
Speaking about the upcoming event, Busch admitted, “It has been incredible over the last few months. Fredrik Johnsson, the Race of Champions’ main orchestrator, reached out, and once I had all my affairs sorted to confirm my participation, it felt as if a huge weight had been lifted. The process of reconnecting with the racing community has been nothing short of incredible.”
Despite the formidable competition, Busch remains confident about Team USA’s chances. He boldly stated, “I feel like Travis and I have every box checked, and we’re going into this with our eyes wide open and not intimidated by the situation.” This won’t be Busch’s first Australian journey as he swapped his Furniture Row NASCAR for James Courtney’s V8 Supercar for a promotional event in 2013.
In these trying times, Busch’s resolve remains unbroken as he gears up to honor his friend’s memory on the global stage.