Two-time Cup Series titleholder remembered as one of the sport’s fiercest competitors after NASCAR announces his passing

Date: May 21, 2026
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Kyle Busch, one of NASCAR’s most successful and recognizable drivers, has died at the age of 41, NASCAR announced Thursday.

Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, was remembered by the racing community as a fierce competitor, a future Hall of Famer, and one of the most talented drivers of his generation.

“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 statement. “We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community.”

Earlier Thursday, Busch’s family announced that he had been hospitalized with a severe illness and would not compete in scheduled events at Charlotte Motor Speedway. A cause of death was not immediately released.

Busch won the NASCAR Cup Series championships in 2015 and 2019 and earned more than 60 Cup Series victories during his career. Known for his aggressive driving style and unmatched success across NASCAR’s national series, Busch became one of the defining figures of modern stock car racing.

Tributes from fans, drivers, teams, and racing officials poured in following the announcement, honoring Busch’s impact on the sport and his legacy on and off the track.

He is survived by his family, who have asked for privacy during this difficult time.