CONCORD, N.C. — Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch, a Las Vegas native and the winningest driver across NASCAR’s three national series, died Thursday at age 41 after being hospitalized with a severe illness, his family confirmed.
The Busch family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR released a joint statement Thursday announcing his death. No cause was given. Earlier in the day, Busch’s family had disclosed he was hospitalized with a “severe illness,” just three days before he was scheduled to race in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,” the statement read. “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.”
The statement also highlighted Busch’s two decades of achievements: setting records for national series wins, winning championships at NASCAR’s highest level, and fostering 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,'” it added.
