CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Kyle Busch, a celebrated two-time Cup Series champion known for his unparalleled record in NASCAR’s three national series, has passed away at the age of 41.
A joint statement from the Busch Family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR on Thursday confirmed Busch’s death following hospitalization, though the cause remains undisclosed.
Earlier that day, Busch’s family announced his hospitalization due to a “severe illness,” just days ahead of his scheduled participation in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
On Wednesday, while testing the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord, Busch became unresponsive and was taken to a hospital in Charlotte, as reported by sources familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press anonymously, as Busch’s team or family have not disclosed further details.
Kyle Busch was the younger brother of Kurt Busch, a NASCAR Hall of Famer. He is survived by his wife, Samantha, and their children, Brexton and Lennix.
“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,” the statement expressed. “A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a talent of rare brilliance, a fierce competitor who deeply loved the sport and its fans.”
The statement further highlighted that over more than two decades, Kyle set numerous records in national series victories, secured top-tier NASCAR championships, and nurtured future drivers in the Truck Series. His sharp wit and competitive spirit forged a strong bond with fans, creating the devoted ‘Rowdy Nation.’
Eleven days prior to this news, Busch had communicated with his crew during a Cup Series race at Watkins Glen, requesting medical attention for a sinus cold made worse by the course’s intense conditions.
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Busch managed to finish the race in eighth place.
Last weekend at Dover, Busch claimed victory in the Trucks Series race with Spire Motorsports and finished 17th in the NASCAR All-Star race, marking his final competition.
“Absolutely cannot comprehend this news,” shared NASCAR driver and former teammate Denny Hamlin on social media. “We just need to think of his family during this time. We love you KB.”
Brad Keselowski also posted: “Absolute shock. Very hard to process.”
Known as “Rowdy” and “Wild Thing” for his intense post-race altercations and rivalries, Busch made a striking debut in the Cup Series in 2005, earning Rookie of the Year.
He later achieved championship status in 2015 and 2019 with Joe Gibbs Racing.
“His impact on our organization and on the sport of NASCAR will never be forgotten,” the team remarked in a statement.
Hailing from Las Vegas, Busch’s career was marked by unparalleled achievement across NASCAR’s three national series, amassing a total of 234 victories: 63 in the Cup, 102 in the O’Reilly Auto Parts, and 69 in the Trucks Series, setting records in both categories.
Busch was dismissed early in his career by Hendrick Motorsports to make way for Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the team.
“Kyle and I had a really challenging existence for many years,” Earnhardt commented in a statement. “But we luckily took the time to figure out our differences and that was something he instigated with a conversation in his bus around how we each managed our racing teams. I was super eager for us to get on better terms. But it was he who made the effort for that to be possible.”
Busch transitioned to Joe Gibbs Racing, where he enjoyed much of his career success. However, following the 2022 season, he had no sponsor and joined Richard Childress Racing, where victories were hard to come by.
This lack of success led to tension with former JGR teammate Hamlin, who criticized Busch on the “Actions Detrimental” podcast, saying, “If you’re expecting Kyle Busch to just go back to victory lane on a regular basis, you are kidding yourselves.”
Although Hamlin later clarified that his comments were not meant to offend and were merely an observation, Busch reacted strongly, suggesting he could make Hamlin’s racing experience difficult.
In last month’s Kansas race, while several laps down, Busch resisted letting race leader Hamlin pass, impacting Hamlin’s performance and contributing to Tyler Reddick’s victory.
After winning the Trucks race at Dover and displaying improved speed, Busch hinted at Hamlin with a comment, “I guess I just remembered how to drive.”
Following his triumph at Dover, Busch was asked about his career victory aspirations.
“You take whatever you can get, man,” Busch remarked. “You never know when the last one is going to be, so cherish them all — trust me.”
Busch’s sudden passing is the latest tragedy to affect NASCAR. Last December, former driver Greg Biffle, his wife, two children, and three others died in a plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina.
The news of Busch’s death came after teams had departed Gasoline Alley on media day at the Indianapolis 500. As the information spread along Main Street in Speedway, Indiana, fans of both IndyCar and NASCAR expressed their sorrow.
NASCAR officials assured The Associated Press that the Coca-Cola 600 will proceed as planned on Sunday.
Drivers are expected to head to Charlotte Motorsports Speedway in Concord on Friday, with practice and qualifying sessions scheduled for Saturday. Earlier, RCR announced Austin Hill would take over for Busch in the No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
AP freelance writer and former AP auto racing writer Jenna Fryer and AP Sports Writer Michael Marot in Indianapolis contributed to this report.
