Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the sport’s greatest drivers, died Thursday. He was 41.
Busch’s death, which was announced by the Busch family, NASCAR, and Richard Childress Racing. His team had indicated earlier Thursday that Busch had been hospitalized with a severe illness.
Busch finished 8th in this month’s Go Bowling at the Glen NASCAR Cup Series Race at Watkins Glen International. He finished 17th in last week’s All-Star Race at Dover. NASCAR.com’s Zack Albert reports Busch was in his 22nd full-time season in NASCAR’s top division, where he won two Cup Series titles (2015, 2019) and 63 races. His numbers across the other two national NASCAR series are record-setting, with 102 victories in what is now called the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and 69 wins in the Craftsman Truck Series.
A joint statement on behalf of the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR:
“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch.
A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans. 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.’ Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha’s parents, Kurt and all of Kyle’s family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans. NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon.
During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate.”
At around 10:30 Thursday morning, the Busch family released this statement:
“Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization. He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation.”
