Charlotte, United States. Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, died Thursday after a bout with a severe illness. He was 41.
Death confirmed by family, team and NASCAR
The Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR confirmed his death hours after announcing that Busch had been hospitalized this week and would miss Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. No further details, including the type of illness and location of the hospital, were provided.
In a joint statement, they said the NASCAR community was “heartbroken” and described Busch as a “future Hall of Famer” whose career spanned more than two decades, included records in national series wins and championships at the sport’s highest level. The statement also said Busch helped foster the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series and built a connection with fans that created “Rowdy Nation.”
Family and background
Busch is survived by his wife, Samantha, their 11-year-old son Brexton and 4-year-old daughter Lennix. He was the younger brother of NASCAR Hall of Famer Kurt Busch, 47.
Recent health issues and hospitalization
Earlier this month when the NASCAR Cup Series raced at Watkins Glen, N.Y., a FOX Sports broadcast said Busch had been dealing with a sinus cold. Busch told his team over the radio that he was “gonna need a shot” and later told The Athletic he had not fully gotten over what was ailing him, adding that his cough had been “pretty substantial” the previous week.
The Associated Press reported that Busch became unresponsive while testing in Chevrolet’s racing simulator Wednesday in Concord, N.C., and was taken to a hospital in Charlotte.
Tributes posted on social media
A number of NASCAR drivers and others affiliated with the sport posted tributes and condolences on social media.
What memories of Kyle Busch’s racing career stand out most to you?
