Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the greatest racers of his generation, has died at the age of 41. He passed away on Thursday, May 21, just three days before he was scheduled to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The cause of death has not been disclosed yet. Facts are still limited.
What is known is that Busch was testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on Wednesday when he became unresponsive. He was taken to a Charlotte hospital. According to several people familiar with the situation, Busch was believed to have had a sinus cold.
During a race at Watkins Glen on May 10, Busch radioed his team and asked for a “shot” from a doctor after finishing the race. He had been suffering from a sinus cold, which was worsened by the severe G-forces and elevation changes at the New York road course. It is unclear whether that issue was related to his death.
Busch competed last weekend, winning the Trucks Series race at Dover and finishing 17th in the NASCAR All-Star race. That would be his final race.
How Good Was Kyle Busch?
Busch won the most races in NASCAR’s three national series — 234 to date. He won the Cup Series championship in 2015 and 2019 for Joe Gibbs Racing.
His 2015 championship was remarkable. He missed the first 11 Cup races of the season after injuring his foot in a crash. He still came back to win five races and the championship.
What Happens to the Coca-Cola 600?
NASCAR confirmed that the 400-lap race will take place as scheduled on Sunday night. Austin Hill will replace Busch in the No. 8 Chevrolet.
Tributes and Reactions
The Busch family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR issued a joint statement: “We are devastated to announce Kyle Busch’s sudden and tragic death. Kyle, a future Hall of Famer, was a rare talent that only comes around once in a generation. He was aggressive, enthusiastic, and genuinely cared about the sport and its followers.”
Busch is survived by his wife, Samantha, and two children: son Brexton, who just turned 11, and daughter Lennix, who is four years old.
The internet is mourning. One person wrote: “A legend gone too soon. Rest in peace, Rowdy.” Another said: “NASCAR will never be the same without him.”
