The death last week of NASCAR’s Kyle Busch hit hard for many NASCAR fans around the country but for one fifth-grade teacher in Hall County and her class it hit close to home.
Earlier this year, Busch visited Lanier Elementary School and Amy Smallwood’s class. A lifelong NASCAR fan, Smallwood has found ways to use the sport to engage her students across several disciplines. From math and science to reading and writing, she has tapped into students’ excitement for racing to make learning come alive.
When NASCAR and Busch saw what Smallwood was doing in her classroom—and the level of enthusiasm and engagement from her students—they wanted to experience it firsthand.
Busch and his team brought gift bags for every student, signed autographs, posed for pictures, and took time to answer questions from the class.
“It was an incredible day for our students and a powerful example of how passion and creativity can transform learning,” a posting on the school’s Facebook page reads.
In an AJC article published today recalling that day, Smallwood says “since he passed, I’ve been reflecting on how great Kyle was and how special that moment was for our class.”
Click here read the full story which includes details about how this whole NASCAR thing evolved in Smallwood’s class, culminating with the Busch visit. Sunday, May 24, 2026