Published May 22, 2026
Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion and winner of more races than anyone in NASCAR’s three national series, has died. He was 41 years old.
The Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR released a joint statement Thursday announcing that Mr. Busch died after being hospitalized. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
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Mr. Busch’s family announced early Thursday that Mr. Busch was hospitalized with a “serious illness” three days before competing in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Mr. Busch was testing at a Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on Wednesday when he became unresponsive and was taken to a hospital in Charlotte, people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because Mr. Busch’s team and family have not released details.
Busch was the younger brother of NASCAR Hall of Famer Kurt Busch. He is survived by his wife, Samantha, and children, Brexton and Lennix.
“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the death of Kyle Busch,” the team said in a statement.
“A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare, once-in-a-generation talent. He was fierce, passionate, extremely skilled and cared deeply about the sport and its fans.”
The statement continued: “Over a career that spanned more than 20 years, Kyle set records for national series wins, won championships at NASCAR’s highest level, and nurtured the next generation of drivers as the owner of the Truck Series. His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of all ages, creating a proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation.'”
The news comes 11 days after Busch radioed his crew near the end of the Cup Series race at Watkins Glen to ask a doctor to give them a “shot” after the race. According to television broadcasts, Busch was suffering from a sinus cold that was exacerbated by the high G’s and elevation changes on New York’s road course.
Busch finished the race in 8th place.
Busch competed at Dover last weekend and won the Spire Motorsports Truck Series race. He then finished 17th in the final race, the NASCAR All-Star Race.
“This news is completely incomprehensible,” NASCAR driver and former teammate Denny Hamlin posted on social media. “All we have to think about during this time is his family. KB, we love you.”
Driver Brad Keselowski also commented on social media: “Total shock. Very difficult to process.”
A polarizing figure known as “The Rowdy” and “Wild Thing” for his post-race brawls, regular feuds with other drivers, and sometimes outlandish behavior, the versatile Busch took the Cup Series scene by storm, winning Rookie of the Year in 2005.
He went on to win championships in 2015 and 2019 with Joe Gibbs Racing.
“His impact on our organization and the sport of NASCAR will never be forgotten,” the team said in a statement.
Busch, a Las Vegas native, enjoyed unparalleled success in NASCAR’s three national series, winning a combined 234 Cup, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Truck Series races. He has 63 Cup wins, 102 O’Reilly Auto Parts wins and 69 Truck wins, both records.
Busch was fired early in his career by Hendrick Motorsports to make room on the team for Dale Earnhardt Jr.
“Kyle and I have had really difficult lives for many years,” Earnhardt said in a statement. “But luckily we were able to take the time to understand each other’s differences, and it was something he facilitated on the bus with a conversation about how we manage our racing teams. I was very keen for us to have a better relationship, but it was he who made the effort to make that possible.”
Busch moved to Joe Gibbs Racing, where he experienced most of his career success. However, Busch was fired after the 2022 season due to lack of sponsorship and joined Richard Childress Racing, where he was struggling to win races.
His lack of success led to a recent spat with former JGR teammate Hamlin, who appeared to criticize Busch on the “Actions Detrimental” podcast. “If you expect Kyle Busch to get back to victory lane on a regular basis, you’re kidding yourself,” Hamlin said.
Hamlin later said he meant no harm in the comment and was just observing, but Busch took exception and said it could make Hamlin’s life “hell” on the racetrack.
Although he was several laps behind in last month’s race in Kansas, Busch did not allow the race leader to pass him and raced hard with Hamlin. That decision helped Hamlin at a critical point in the race, and after Hamlin faded late, Tyler Reddick won the race.
After winning a truck race at Dover last week and showing improved speed, Busch appeared to take a veiled jab at Hamlin, saying, “I think I remember how to drive.”
