Busch was 41. He won two NASCAR Cup Series titles and 63 races in the series.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β Two-time NASCARΒ Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has died at the age of 41.Β
NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing announced Busch’s death on Thursday.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community,” NASCAR said in a statement.
The announcement followed an initial post on Thursday from the Busch family that stated he was hospitalized with a severe illness. The illness that Busch suffered was not confirmed.
An anonymous source told the Associated Press that Busch was testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on Wednesday when he became unresponsive and was taken to a hospital in Charlotte. The details have not been disclosed by Busch’s team or family and were shared with the AP based on anonymity.
Busch was one of the most prolific drivers in NASCAR history. He had 63 Cup Series wins and won the 2015 and 2019 series titles. Busch is the winningest driver in NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts and Craftsman Truck series history, with 102 and 69 wins, respectively.
Busch had raced at NASCAR’s highest level since 2005. He had raced for RCR since 2023.
Throughout Busch’s career, he was a fierce competitor who pushed the limits in an aggressive style. That quality made him a polarizing figure, but resulted in him being one of the sport’s most iconic drivers.Β
NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing shared a joint statement on Busch’s passing:
“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 NASCARβs 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 βRowdy Nation.β Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha’s parents, Kurt and all of Kyleβs 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 familyβs privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate.”