NASCAR confirms death of two-time champion Kyle Busch aged 41
Busch, who held the record for most wins across NASCAR’s three national series with 234 victories, dies at Las Vegas home.
NASCAR has confirmed the death of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion and the most successful driver in the sport's history, at the age of 41. The racing series announced the passing on Thursday, describing the event as sudden and tragic following Busch’s hospitalisation earlier in the day due to a severe illness.
Busch, a Las Vegas native, secured 234 wins across NASCAR’s three national series, a record that stands as the highest total in the organisation’s history. His career achievements included two Cup Series championships, won in 2015 and 2019 while driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, as well as a victory in the 2018 Coca-Cola 600.
At the time of his death, Busch was in his fourth season with Richard Childress Racing (RCR). He had recorded his last race win in 2023, which marked his first victory with the team. During the current season, he ranked 24th in the Cup Series standings, having achieved two top-10 finishes in 12 races.
In a joint statement, NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing expressed devastation at the loss. The series honoured Busch as a future Hall of Famer, noting his role in fostering the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series. The statement acknowledged his competitive spirit and the deep connection he maintained with fans, a group known as 'Rowdy Nation'.
NASCAR’s statement extended its condolences to Busch’s family, including his wife Samantha, children Brexton and Lennix, his parents Kurt and, and his brother, fellow driver Kurt Busch. The series also thanked Richard and Judy Childress, as well as the wider RCR team, for their support during this period. The specific nature of the severe illness leading to his hospitalisation was not detailed in the announcement.
