CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion who won more races than anyone across NASCAR’s three national series, has died at 41.
The Busch Family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR issued a joint statement Thursday saying that Busch died after being hospitalized. No cause of death was given.
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NASCAR-Kyle Busch-Pacific Life Lawsuit FILE - Kyle Busch smiles prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File) (Matt Kelley/AP)
NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto Race Kyle Busch speaks with his crew during NASCAR Daytona 500 qualifying, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, in Daytona, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
NASCAR Daytona 500 Media Day Auto Race Kyle Busch speaks during a NASCAR Daytona 500 media day, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, in Daytona, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
NASCAR The Clash Auto Racing Kyle Busch (8) and Ty Gibbs (54) avoid Kyle Larson (5) spinning out during NASCAR's The Clash preseason auto race, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, in Winston-Salem, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley) (Matt Kelley/AP)
Obit NASCAR Kyle Busch Auto Racing FILE - Kyle Busch waits for the start of a NASCAR Xfinity Series auto race Saturday, June 19, 2021, in Lebanon, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File) (Mark Humphrey/AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Obit NASCAR Kyle Busch Auto Racing FILE - In this Nov. 17, 2019, file photo, Kyle Busch, center, holds up the trophy in Victory Lane after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto racing season championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla. (AP Photo/Terry Renna, File) (Terry Renna/AP Photo/Terry Renna)
Obit NASCAR Kyle Busch Auto Racing FILE - Kyle Busch waits in Victory Lane after winning the pole position for the NASCAR Cup series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, May 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File) (Chuck Burton/AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Obit NASCAR Kyle Busch Auto Racing FILE - Kyle Busch celebrates his win in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' Autism Speaks 400 auto race, Sunday, May 16, 2010, in Dover, Del. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File) (Nick Wass/AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Obit NASCAR Kyle Busch Auto Racing FILE - Kyle Busch drinks champagne after winning the Nationwide series championship and the NASCAR Ford 300 Nationwide series auto race at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Terry Renna, File) (Terry Renna/AP Photo/Terry Renna)
NASCAR's Kyle Busch through the years (Jamie Walters)
NASCAR's Kyle Busch through the years
NASCAR's Kyle Busch through the years
NASCAR's Kyle Busch through the years
NASCAR's Kyle Busch through the years
NASCAR's Kyle Busch through the years
NASCAR's Kyle Busch through the years
NASCAR's Kyle Busch through the years
NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto Race Kyle Busch prepares for a photo during NASCAR Daytona 500 qualifying, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, in Daytona, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto Racing Kyle Busch, (8) prepars during the first of two NASCAR Daytona 500 qualifying auto races at Daytona International Speedway, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto Race Chase Briscoe and Kyle Busch, from left, speak during NASCAR Daytona 500 qualifying, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, in Daytona, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto Race Chase Briscoe and Kyle Busch, from left, pose for a photo after NASCAR Daytona 500 qualifying, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, in Daytona, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
The 59th Annual CMA Awards - Arrivals NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 19: EDITORIAL USE ONLY (L-R) Samantha Busch and Kyle Busch attend the 59th Annual CMA Awards at Music City Center on November 19, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images) (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
Busch’s family said earlier Thursday that he was hospitalized with a “severe illness,” three days before he was to compete at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,” the statement said. “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.
The statement went on to say that “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.’”
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