Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski among NASCAR drivers mourning Kyle Busch after shocking death at 41

Kyle Busch, the winningest driver in NASCAR history across its three divisions, died Thursday at 41 years old. He left behind friends and family, all in shock from the news.

Busch had been reported earlier Thursday to be out for the Coca-Cola 600 due to “a severe illness resulting in hospitalization.” NASCAR announced his death only hours later, then released a joint statement alongside the Busch family and his team at Richard Childress Racing.

The full statement:

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. 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.’ Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha’s parents, Kurt and all of Kyle’s family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans. NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon.

During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate.

The loss of Busch hit some of his competitors hard, via social media:

Chase Briscoe:

This doesn’t even feel real typing this… Easily one of the absolute greatest of all time, any track, any car, it didn’t matter he was gonna be good. Getting to race against Kyle was a true pinch me moment, I’ll never forget the first time just sharing the track with someone I had so much respect for. Two of my favorite wins of my entire career came going head to head against KB and what made them so special was the fact that I was racing against KB someone who I considered one of the all time best.

Getting to know Kyle throughout my NASCAR career has been a highlight for me. Rather I was racing door to door with him or talking to him about Samantha, Brexton, and Lennix and what all they had going on I always had to tell myself how cool it was I was getting to be around one of my heroes. I’m gonna miss everything about “KFB” and I can assure you no race I run from now on will ever feel the same because the impact Kyle Busch left is unlike one any other driver could ever have. Thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Busch family and all of Rowdy Nation. Godspeed KB.

John Hunter Nemechek:

It’s hard to put into words what Kyle Busch has meant to me throughout my life and my career.

From the time I was young, Kyle believed in me, gave me opportunities, pushed me to be better, we had so many hard fought battles, and always someone l could lean on. He’s been more than a mentor to me.

He’s been a longtime friend and someone I’ve looked up to for so many years.

Some of my favorite memories in racing and in life are because of him, and I will always be grateful for the impact he’s had on me both personally and professionally. He always been there for me no matter what the circumstances may have been.

Right now, my thoughts and prayers are with Kyle, Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, the entire Busch family, and everyone who loves him. I’m asking everyone to keep the Busch family in your prayers and respect their privacy during this difficult time.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.:

There aren’t really words for today. I’ve raced against Kyle for a long time, and anyone who’s lined up next to him knows exactly what made him special, he gave you everything he had, every single lap, and he made all of us better for it.

But more than the wins and the records, I keep thinking about Samantha, Brexton, and Lennix, and the entire Busch family right now. That’s where my heart is.

Rest easy, Rowdy. The sport won’t be the same without you.

More reactions: