NASCAR legend Kyle Busch died tragically at the age of 41.
NASCAR announced the shocking news Thursday on Instagram.
“On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch,” they wrote.
“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.”
CHARLOTTE, NC – MAY 15: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Red Nose Day Toyota, sits in his car during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 15, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Their statement continued, “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.”
Earlier in the day, RCR announced Busch was in hospital with “severe illness.”
The legendary driver radioed for assistance during his May 10 race at Watkins Glen in upstate New York.
LONG POND, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 22: Kyle Busch, driver of the #51 Zariz Transport Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series CRC Brakleen 150 and Kyle Busch Motorsports’ 100th win in the NASCAR Truck Series at Pocono Raceway on July 22, 2023 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
The beloved racecar driver was widely considered one of the best the industry has ever seen. (RELATED: Kyle Busch Placed In Hospital Due To ‘Severe Illness,’ Will Not Participate In Coca-Cola 600)
HAMPTON, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 21: Kyle Busch, driver of the #7 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates with daughter, Lennix Busch son, Brexton Busch and wife, Samantha Busch in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fr8 Racing 208 at Echo Park Speedway on February 21, 2026 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
He won 63 Cup Series races (1st among active drivers, 9th overall) and 102 Xfinity Series races (a record). He had a total of 69 Craftsman Truck Series wins.
Busch is survived by his wife, Samantha Busch, and their two young children. He also leaves behind his older brother, former NASCAR champion Kurt Busch, and his parents, Tom and Gaye Busch.
Busch’s legacy is defined by relentless competitiveness and incredible skill. He left an undeniable mark as one of racing’s fiercest and most decorated talents.