CONCORD, N.C. — Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the most successful drivers in the sport’s history, has died at the age of 41 after a sudden illness, NASCAR and his team announced on Thursday.
Busch’s family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR issued a joint statement confirming his death. No cause of death was released. Earlier on Thursday, his family said he had been hospitalized with a “severe illness” and would not compete in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend.
“ We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport’s greatest and fiercest drivers,” NASCAR said in the statement.
Busch won NASCAR Cup Series championships in 2015 and 2019 while driving for Joe Gibbs Racing. He secured 63 victories in the Cup Series, ranking ninth on the all-time wins list, and amassed more than 230 wins across NASCAR’s three national series, more than any other driver.
Born in Las Vegas, Busch was known for his aggressive driving style and consistency. He overcame significant injuries early in his 2015 championship season, returning from multiple broken bones to claim the title. In recent years, he drove the No. 8 car for Richard Childress Racing.
Details surrounding the circumstances of his hospitalization remained unclear late Thursday. He had been preparing for the Coca-Cola 600, one of NASCAR’s premier races, when he was admitted to hospital.
Busch is survived by his wife, Samantha, and their two children, son Brexton and daughter Lennix.
Tributes from across the motorsports community poured in following the announcement. Fellow drivers and officials described the loss as sudden and shocking.
The NASCAR community will mark his passing as the sport continues its 2026 season. Further details about memorial arrangements were not immediately available.
