May 21 (UPI) — Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion driver Kyle Busch has died following a brief illness, NASCAR announced Thursday. He was 41.
“We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport’s greatest and fiercest drivers,” NASCAR said in a post on X.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community.”
No other details of Busch’s death were immediately made available.
We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport’s greatest and fiercest drivers. He was 41 years old.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire… pic.twitter.com/FARIF6OKrw— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 21, 2026
Busch’s death came only hours after his family announced he had been hospitalized due to a “severe illness” and would not race in the Coca-Cola 600.
“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,” said a joint statement issued by NASCAR, Richard Childress Racing and the Busch family. “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 celebrated driver “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,” they said. “His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation.'”
Earlier Thursday, Busch’s family disclosed he had “experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization. He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
“We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation.”
The 2026 Coca-Cola 600 will take place at 6 p.m. EDT Sunday at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. The 400-lap, 600-mile race will air on Prime Video.
Busch sits at No. 24 in the Cup Series standings. He placed inside the Top 10 in two of three Cup Series races before last weekend’s All-Star Race, including a season-best eighth at the 2026 Go Bowling at The Glen on May 10 in Watkins Glen, N.Y.
He had asked for a doctor to meet him following that race, Fox Sports reported.
Kyle Busch has asked for a doctor to meet him after the race at Watkins Glen. pic.twitter.com/8kfcVEqwjs— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 10, 2026
Busch drove to a 17th-place finish at the All-Star Race on Sunday in Dover, Del.
“Kyle Busch’s health is our upmost priority and he and his family have the full resources of RCR behind them,” Richard Childress Racing said. “Kyle is an integral part of our organization and we wish him a safe and speedy recovery. His No. 8 Chevrolet will be ready and waiting for him.
“We’re thankful to Austin Hill for stepping in to drive the No. 8 Chevrolet this weekend. Please keep Kyle and the Busch family in your prayers, and help us respect the family’s privacy at this time.”
Busch finished 15th the last two years at Charlotte. He won the race in 2018. Ross Chastain won the 2025 Coca Cola 600. Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson are among other recent winners.
Tyler Reddick, who won a series-best five races so far this season, remains atop the driver standings. Hamlin, Chase Elliott, Blaney and Chris Buescher are among the other drivers inside the Top 5 of the standings.