Kyle Busch, one of the most prolific NASCAR drivers of all-time, a husband and father of two, died on Thursday at the age of 41.
At the time of writing, no cause has been disclosed, but the two-time Cup Series champion was hospitalised earlier in the day on 21 May. A joint statement was issued by the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing, who he had driven for since 2023 and the sanctioning body on Thursday evening.
“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 team-mates, 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.”
Austin Hill has already been tasked with driving the No. 8 this weekend in the Coca-Cola 600.
Busch, husband to Samantha since New Year’s Eve 2010, and father to emerging 11-year-old son racer Brexton and four-year-old daughter, Lennix, was one of the fiercest and most tenacious drivers in the history of the discipline.
He is the younger brother of recently enshrined Hall of Famer Kurt Busch, the 2004 Cup Series champion, and his 63 Cup Series wins and championships in 2015 and 2019 will have him enshrined with immediacy as well.
His 233 victories across all three national touring divisions is the most combined in the history of the sport. He just added to that tally last Friday in the Truck Series race at Dover Motor Speedway.
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– The Autosport.com Team
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