Nascar Champion Kyle Busch Passes Away at 41
Two-time Nascar Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has died at the age of 41.
The sudden death of the Nascar legend, who ranked ninth on the circuit's all-time win list, was announced on Thursday in a joint statement by the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing, and Nascar.
No cause of death was disclosed. Earlier on Thursday, Busch's representatives had reported that he was hospitalized with a severe illness.
"A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation," the statement reads. "He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans. ... Nascar lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon."
At the time of his passing, Busch was in his 22nd full-time season competing in Nascar's top division, where he had secured two Cup Series championships and 63 race victories.
"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," the statement said.
"His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal 'Rowdy Nation.'"
Busch was scheduled to participate in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway during the upcoming holiday weekend in the United States.
Earlier on Thursday, Busch's family issued a statement confirming he was hospitalized due to a severe illness. They noted he was undergoing treatment and would not take part in any scheduled events over the weekend.
The announcement of his death followed hours later.
Kyle Busch is survived by his parents, his wife, and two young children.
