Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has passed away after being hospitalized with a severe illness. He was 41 years old.
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The Busch family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR announced the news on Thursday evening with a joint statement.
"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.
"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 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 family's privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate."
Our hearts are broken for Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, and the entire Busch family. Kyle was a fierce competitor, an incredible teammate, and, far more importantly, a devoted husband, father, and son. His impact on our organization and on the sport of NASCAR will never be… pic.twitter.com/Va7PzWEseG
— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) May 21, 2026
A Las Vegas native, Busch is considered to be one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history.
He accumulated 63 Cup Series wins while driving for Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Richard Childress Racing. He won 102 O'Reilly Auto Parts Series races and 69 Truck Series races.
He is the winningest driver in NASCAR history combining all three series. He won two Cup Series championships and one O'Reilly Auto Parts Series championship.
The wins built Busch's resume, but he created a legend with his competitive spirit. He was one of the fiercest competitors on the track and someone who split the fanbase for the right reasons.
Many NASCAR fans loved his swagger and the way he bowed after every win. Some viewed him as the villain that NASCAR needed.
Many also recognized that he helped some of the modern stars enter the sport with his Truck Series team, Kyle Busch Motorsports, which he ultimately sold to Spire Motorsports.
He made a lasting impact on countless drivers and careers. The laundry list includes such names as Erik Jones, Christopher Bell, Bubba Wallace, John Hunter Nemechek, and Corey Heim.
— John Hunter Nemechek (@JHNemechek) May 21, 2026
"Beyond his extraordinary accomplishments in NASCAR, Kyle's passion for racing extended deeply into dirt racing and U.S. Legend Car competition, where he proudly shared the track with his son, Brexton," Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith said in a statement.
"Away from the racetrack, Kyle was a savvy businessman, a devoted father and a loyal friend whose impact was felt far beyond the sport.
"Our hearts are with Samantha, Brexton, Lennix and the entire Busch family during this incredibly difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences, prayers and unwavering support as they mourn the loss of someone who meant so much to so many."
Kyle Busch wasn’t just one of the fiercest competitors our sport has ever seen, he was one of the most talented race car drivers I’ve ever shared a track with. We spent years as teammates at Hendrick Motorsports, and even as competitors, there was always a deep respect for what… pic.twitter.com/uAX3o2D0Nz
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) May 21, 2026
