Kyle Busch.Credit : Chris Graythen/Getty; Michael Bush/Icon Sportswire via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, is dead at 41
NASCAR praised Busch’s record-breaking career and his role in mentoring future drivers through his Truck Series ownership
The Busch family and NASCAR community requested privacy as they mourn his sudden and tragic passing

Kyle Busch, the legendary NASCAR driver, has died. He was 41.

NASCAR announced his death on Thursday, May 21, hours after his family said he was hospitalized for a “severe illness.”

“On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch,” the joint statement from NASCAR, the Busch family and Richard Childress Racing read.

“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,” the statement continued. “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,” the statement concluded, asking for the Busch family’s privacy to be respected.

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Kyle Busch.Jared C. Tilton/Getty

Earlier on Thursday, the Busch family announced the two-time NASCAR champion was hospitalized and would miss two upcoming races in North Carolina. He was set to race in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at the speedway in Concord, N.C. on Friday, May 22 and on Sunday, May 24 at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization,” the Busch family said. “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.”

His family did not share further information on his illness.

Kyle and Samantha Busch with their two children.Kyle Busch/ Instagram

Busch requested medical attention during a race on May 10. As Watkins Glen International neared its end, Busch was heard asking his team over the radio to have a doctor meet him at his bus near the garages. During the broadcast, FOX Sports said Busch had a “sinus cold.”

The NASCAR legend was born in Las Vegas and began racing at a young age. His father, Tom, was a mechnic and his older brother, Kurt, is also a NASCAR driver. During the 2000s, the younger Busch quickly established himself as one of NASCAR’s brightest stars. His success continued into the 2010s and he won the NASCAR Cup Series Championship in 2015 and 2019. In 2023, NASCAR included Busch on its list of 75 greatest drivers.

Busch is survived by his wife Samantha, whom he married on New Year’s Eve 2021; and their two children, son Brexton, 11, and daughter Lennix, 4.

SOURCE: https://people.com/kyle-busch-nascar-driver-dead-at-41-11981905