NASCAR champion Kyle Busch dies suddenly aged 41 after severe illness | F1 | Sport

NASCAR star and future Hall of Famer Kyle Busch has passed away at the age of 41 after being taken to hospital with a severe illness. Busch, winner of more national series races than any driver in history, suffered an unspecified illness and never recovered.

His death was confirmed by NASCAR on Thursday in an official statement. “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,” the statement read. “He was 41 years old. We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community.”

A joint statement was also released from the Busch family, his Cup Series team Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR. It 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.

“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.”

Busch’s family confirmed that he has been hospitalised with a severe illness and wouldn’t race at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend. They said that he was undergoing treatment and requested privacy.

He appeared to be ill two weeks ago at Watkins Glen and radioed to his team, asking for a physician to meet him at the motorhome.

“I’m gonna need a shot,” Busch told his team at the time.

Then, on Thursday, a social media post confirmed he would miss the Coca-Cola 600 to undergo treatment for a “severe illness”.

“The first thing they’ll remember me by,” Busch once said, “will be my on-track success.”