Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has passed away, aged 41.
Known for his tough competitive streak and hard personality, Busch was the winningest driver in NASCAR history having accumulated 63 Cup Series, 102 O’Reilly Series and 69 Truck Series victories including success last weekend at Dover.
Winner of the 2015 and 2019 Cup Series titles, Busch was the champion in NASCAR’s second tier in 2009 and won some of the biggest marquee races including the Coca-Cola 600.
“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,” a NASCAR statement said.
“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’.”
The news of Busch’s death comes after he was heard during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen asking a doctor to give him a ‘shot’ after he finished.
Commentators said Busch was struggling with a sinus cold worsened by the G-Forces and elevation changes at the road circuit.
Nicknamed Rowdy for his combative nature, the 2005 NASCAR ‘Rookie of the Year’ entered the scene with a lot of expectation weighed on him following his older brother, NASCAR Hall of Famer Kurt.
A failed opportunity to race a Supercars Wildcard just fell short although Busch did sample an ex-Erebus Motorsport Chevrolet Camaro owned by Richard Childress Racing.
He will also be remembered for being part of Marcos Ambrose’s second Cup Series victory at Watkins Glen in 2012.
Busch is survived by his wife Samantha, son Brexton and daughter Lennix.