TWO-TIME Nascar Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has died aged 41.

The legendary driver was hospitalized this week with a “severe illness” before his sudden death.

Obit NASCAR Kyle Busch Auto Racing
Kyle Busch waits for the start of a NASCAR Xfinity Series race in 2021Credit: AP
 

Obit NASCAR Kyle Busch Auto Racing
Busch celebrates after winning the race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2018Credit: AP
The Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR confirmed his death hours after announcing the driver would miss Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

A joint statement read: “On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch.”

The group said they have been left “heartbroken” by the sudden loss of a “future hall of famer” and “once in a life-time” talent.

The statement added: “He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans.

NASCAR'S Kyle Busch, San Francisco, Ca, USA - 19 Jul 2008
Busch was described as a ‘once in a lifetime talent’ and ‘future hall of famer’Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
 

Kyle Busch waits to qualify at the Daytona International Speedway for the running of the NNCS Pepsi 400 in Daytona Beach, FL., United States of America - 06 Jul 2007
Busch waits to qualify at the Daytona International Speedway in 2007Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
“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.”

A cause of death has not been announced. His family has asked for “privacy and understanding”.

When the NASCAR Cup Series came to Watkins Glen earlier this month, Busch told his team over the radio that he was “gonna need a shot”.

He later told The Athletic he had not fully gotten over a sinus cold that was made worse by intense G-forces.

“You can kind of hear it — I’m still not great,” Busch said.

“The cough was pretty substantial last week.”

In a statement earlier on Thursday, Richard Childress Racing asked for prayers for Busch and his family.

They also tapped Austin Hill to take over for Busch in the No. 8 Chevrolet for the Coca-Cola 600, one of NASCAR’s crown jewel events.

Busch, a Las Vegas native, won the Nascar Cup Series Championship in 2015 and 2019, and finished first in 63 Cup Series races in his iconic career.

He won 234 races across Nascar’s three series, the most by any driver in history.

Busch’s last Cup Series win came in 2023 with Richard Childress Racing.

He is survived by his wife Samantha, 11-year-old son Brexton and 4-year-old daughter Lennix.

He was also the younger brother of NASCAR Hall of Famer Kurt Busch, 47.

SOURCE: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/39182946/nascar-kyle-busch-dead-hospital-illness/