NASCAR Champion Kyle Busch dies following sudden illness

Kyle Busch, one of the most decorated NASCAR drivers of his generation, passed away on Thursday, 21 May, aged 41.

The American, who won two NASCAR Cup Series Championships, succumbed after a short battle with illness, although no cause has been disclosed as yet. Busch had been hospitalised earlier in the day.

The Busch family, Richard Childress Racing — the team he had raced for since 2023 — and NASCAR issued a joint statement:

"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."

Busch was competing in his 22nd season in the NASCAR Cup Series and had won 63 races to go with his titles from 2015 and 2019. Busch is survived by his wife and two children.

The entire team at RacingNews365 offers the Busch family — and all those who knew and loved Kyle — our sincere condolences at this sad time.