CONCORD, N.C. — The world of NASCAR is in mourning as Kyle Busch, a celebrated champion in the racing community, has passed away at 41. The announcement came on Thursday from his family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR itself.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the sudden and tragic news of Kyle Busch’s passing,” the statement expressed on behalf of Busch’s family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR.
As a two-time winner of the Cup Series, Busch had claimed more victories than any other driver across NASCAR’s three major national series.
In a joint declaration on Thursday, the Busch family, along with Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR, confirmed Busch’s death following his hospitalization. However, the exact cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Earlier on Thursday, Busch’s family had revealed that he was admitted to the hospital due to a “severe illness,” just days before he was set to participate in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
“The entire NASCAR community is devastated by the loss of Kyle Busch,” the statement continued. “Destined for the Hall of Fame, Kyle was an extraordinary talent—a once-in-a-generation racer. His ferocity, passion, and exceptional skills were matched only by his deep commitment to the sport and its fans.”
The statement went on to say that “throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR’s highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series. His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation.’”
The news comes 11 days after Busch radioed into his crew near the end of a Cup Series race at Watkins Glen asking a doctor to give him a “shot” after he finished the race. According to the TV broadcast, Busch had been struggling with a sinus cold that was exacerbated by the intense G-forces and elevation changes at the New York road course.
Busch finished the race in eighth place.
Busch competed at Dover last weekend and won the Trucks Series race for Richard Childress Racing. He finished 17th at the NASCAR All-Star race.
“Absolute shock. Very hard to process,” veteran NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski posted on social media.
NASCAR driver and former teammate Denny Hamlin posted on social media: “Absolutely cannot comprehend this news. We just need to think of his family during this time. We love you KB.”
A polarizing figure known as “Rowdy” and “Wild Thing” for his post-race fights, regular feuds with other drivers and sometimes outlandish behavior, the multi-talented Busch stormed on the Cup Series scene in 2005 by winning Rookie of the Year.
He went on to win championships in 2015 and 2019 for Joe Gibbs Racing.
From Las Vegas, Busch experienced unrivaled success across NASCAR’s three national series winning a combined 234 Cup, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Trucks Series races. He had 63 Cup victories along with 102 O’Reilly Auto Parts wins and 69 Trucks victories – both records.
Kyle Busch was said to be ready to race at NASCAR’s top level at 16, but a cigarette settlement banned his debut and he had to wait until he was a 18. At the time Kurt Busch said “if you think I’m good, wait until you see my brother.”
Busch is survived by his wife Samantha and children Brexton and Lennix.
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The Associated Press and ABC News contributed to this report.
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