Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has died at the age of 41, NASCAR announced Thursday.
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“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 posted on social media. “He was 41 years old. We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community.”
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. He was 41 years old.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire… pic.twitter.com/FARIF6OKrw
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 21, 2026
Busch’s family announced on social media earlier Thursday that he had been hospitalized with a severe illness and would not be competing at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend.
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“We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation,” the statement continued.
Busch, a Las Vegas native, won championships in 2015 and 2019. This season, he was ranked 24th in the Cup Series standings, with two top-10 finishes in 12 races this season.
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This story is developing and will be updated