Concord, North Carolina – NASCAR champion Kyle Busch has died at the age of 41, according to a statement released Thursday by his family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR.
“On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are deeply saddened to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch,” the statement read.
The two-time Cup Series champion has won more races than anyone else across NASCAR’s three national series.
FILE – Kyle Busch is introduced during the NASCAR All-Star race at Dover Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Dover, Del.
AFP Photo/Derek Hamilton, File
Busch’s family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR issued a joint statement Thursday saying Busch died after being hospitalized. The cause of death was not mentioned.
Busch’s family said earlier Thursday that he had been hospitalized with a “serious illness,” three days before he raced in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
“The entire NASCAR family is saddened by the loss of Kyle Busch,” the statement said. “Kyle was a future Hall of Famer and a rare talent, a once-in-a-generation talent. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was extremely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and the fans.”
The statement went on to say that “over the course of a career spanning more than two decades, Kyle set records for National Series wins, won championships at the highest level in NASCAR and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series. His sharp intellect and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with racing fans of all ages, creating a proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation.'”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
The Associated Press and ABC News contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2026 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.